It’s crazy to think that in a few years my kids will be driving, but actually, it’s a fact.

That’s what intrigued me when I heard about Toyota’s kartSTART program.

Presented by Toyota and Russ Bond (retired professional racing driver), the program focuses on establishing a solid foundation for safe and responsible driving habits in a fun and exciting way for kids ages 10-16 by letting them learn the ropes in a vehicle just their size – a go kart!

It’s a national program that runs across Canada and this year for Quebec, will be in the Montreal Area (Autodrome) from August 8 to 11 in Saint Eustache, and the Trois-Rivières area August 15 to 17 in Saint-Célestin.

Offering a unique experience the whole family can benefit from, kartSTART allows kids to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and establish concrete driving awareness and skills training well before they become licenced driver, setting a strong foundation for safe driving down the road.

“With distracted and impaired driving at an all-time high, and a lack of understanding of the true responsibility of operating a motor vehicle by young drivers, anything we can do to establish a strong foundation of responsible and safe driving habits in a fun way is beyond rewarding” notes Russ Bond.

Available as morning or afternoon sessions with lunch included and a maximum of 20 youth each to ensure personal attention, participants receive one-on-one instruction from professional kartSTART instructors in custom-built go-karts, covering off both practical hands-on driving tips and tricks as well as learning about car  care and proper maintenance.  Following their personal track time, the whole family can join in the fun with Mom and Dad testing out a variety of vehicles on the Toyota Safety Track.

Participation in the program includes a professional Racing Kart, qualified instructors, safety equipment, the use of a racing suit to really get them looking the part, lunch and the opportunity for the family to join in the fun with parents getting a turn to race around the track in a range of vehicles.

“What happens when you go into a corner too fast? And trust me, I’d much rather you find out in our Go Karts that you do in your parents’ car when you turn 16”