Drifting has become one of the most exciting motorsports in the world, blending precision driving, car control, and style. But for beginners, the question is simple: how do you drift? In this guide, we’ll break down drifting step by step, from entry-level techniques to advanced methods used by professional drivers. Whether you’re looking to slide in an empty lot or compete in organized events, this article will help you build the foundation you need.
For an even deeper introduction, see our dedicated beginner’s breakdown here: Drifting Basics – A Beginner’s Guide.
What Is Drifting?
Drifting is the art of intentionally oversteering a car so the rear wheels lose traction while the driver maintains control through corners. Unlike traditional racing, drifting is judged on angle, style, speed, and proximity rather than lap times. The goal is to balance grip and slip, keeping the car sideways while moving forward with precision.
Best Cars to Learn How to Drift
You don’t need a 1,000-horsepower competition car to drift. Some of the best beginner drift cars include:
- Nissan 240SX (S13/S14): Affordable and with massive aftermarket support.
- BMW E36/E46: Reliable, balanced, and easy to find.
- Mazda Miata: Lightweight and excellent for learning weight transfer.
- Ford Mustang (SN95 or early S197): Plenty of torque and cheap entry cost.
- Infiniti G35/370Z: Great for modern drifting on a budget.
Drift Initiation Techniques
There are several ways to initiate a drift. Here are the most common:
1. Handbrake (E-Brake) Initiation
Pulling the handbrake locks the rear wheels briefly, initiating a slide. Ideal for beginners and tight corners.
2. Clutch Kick
Depress the clutch, rev the engine, then release quickly to shock the drivetrain and break traction. Useful in mid-corner initiations.
3. Power Over
Apply throttle aggressively to overcome rear traction. Works best in higher-powered cars.
4. Weight Transfer (Scandinavian Flick)
Quickly steer opposite the turn before swinging back into the corner, using inertia to unsettle the rear and initiate a drift.
How to Control a Drift
- Countersteer: Turn the steering wheel opposite to the drift angle to maintain control.
- Throttle Modulation: Apply steady throttle to balance the slide. Too much throttle causes a spin, too little ends the drift.
- Brake Control: Feathering the brake can adjust speed and drift angle mid-slide.
- Vision: Always look where you want the car to go, not at the obstacle you’re avoiding.
Drift Car Setup Basics
Your car doesn’t need thousands of dollars in mods to drift, but setup matters:
- Coilovers: Drift-spec coilovers provide stability and grip while sideways.
- Differential: A limited-slip or welded differential ensures both rear wheels spin together.
- Tires: Fronts should grip, rears should be predictable and affordable to replace.
- Angle Kit: Extends steering angle for deeper, more controlled slides.
- Hydraulic Handbrake: Makes initiations easier and more consistent.
Where to Learn Drifting Safely
Safety should always come first. Never drift on public roads. Instead, look for:
- Grassroots drift events at local tracks.
- Drift schools offering professional instruction.
- Skid pads and practice lots hosted by motorsport clubs.
- Sim racing platforms like Assetto Corsa for safe at-home practice.
Advanced Drifting Techniques
Tandem Drifting
Driving door-to-door with another car in close proximity, judged on angle, proximity, and consistency. Tandems are the ultimate test of control.
Feint Drift
A more aggressive form of weight transfer, swinging the car hard before entering the drift corner.
Manji
Drifting side-to-side down a straightaway, commonly practiced to link transitions smoothly.
FAQs: How to Drift
Do you need a lot of horsepower to drift?
No. Drifting is about technique, not just power. Even a stock Miata can drift effectively with practice.
Is drifting bad for your car?
Drifting puts stress on tires, clutch, and suspension. With proper maintenance, your car can handle it safely.
Can automatic cars drift?
Yes. While manuals offer more control, automatics can drift with the right setup. (See our guide on drifting automatic cars.)
Conclusion: How to Drift Step by Step
Learning how to drift is about patience, practice, and understanding car control. Start small with handbrake initiations, then progress to clutch kicks and tandem drifting as your skills grow. With the right setup, practice environment, and mindset, drifting can be one of the most rewarding motorsports in the world.
For beginners, check out our full guide: Drifting Basics – A Beginner’s Guide. And for serious builds, explore our SLR Drift Spec Coilovers engineered specifically for drift performance.
