Drift Rider

Lap one is for learning the track. Lap two is for finding the braking points. Lap three is where you actually race. That is roughly the shape of every race in this genre, and it holds whether the cars are realistic or cartoon karts. A session usually covers several races, each one a little faster, and the final positions give you a clear measure of improvement.

• Navigate the car using either the WASD keys or the Arrow keys Brake with the Space key Reset the car by pressing the R key Enlarge the screen with the P key Change the camera view with the C key

1. 1Read the control hint on the start screen, then start a race and drive the first lap at a safe speed.
2. 2Note where you drift wide, and brake a little earlier there next time around.
3. 3Use the slipstream behind other cars on straights to close gaps, then pull out to overtake before the corner.
4. 4Collect boosts or coins if the game has them, but only when they are on your line.

• Free to play, nothing to install, no account needed
• Loads in the browser tab and opens full screen when you press Play
• Plays best with the phone turned sideways or on a wider screen
• Mouse and keyboard controls, with touch support on most devices
• Listed under Racing

The reason to play Drift Rider is the lap you finally get right. It is free, runs in the browser without a download or account, and races are short enough that a few of them fit in a lunch break. The improvement from race to race is easy to see.

Suits anyone who likes driving games, from children who are happy to steer around a track to adults chasing a perfect lap. Works on phones, though a keyboard gives finer control.

Does Drift Rider work on a tablet?

Yes. Tablets are a good fit for racing games because the screen is large enough for on-screen controls without covering the track.

Will the game remember my best times?

Often it will, using your browser's storage on that device. Clearing site data or switching devices resets them, since there is no account.

Is it suitable for young children?

Generally yes. Racing games are among the most child friendly on the site. Steering and accelerating are simple, and losing a race has no real consequence.