Who said driver's education can't be fun?

At the American Box Car Racing International track in Kunia — where rookie drivers learn to drive gravity-powered cars — there's no parallel parking or cranky instructors.

There is, as executive director BC Cowling likes to say, "fun for kids from 1 to 100."

"I was kind of worried at first," said novice box car driver Chiara Santiel, 15, who was vacationing from Arizona, and plans to get her learner's permit shortly. "I didn't want to be driving in anyone else's lanes. But after the first time we did it, it's fun. They're pretty easy to maneuver."

For $6, drivers can spend up to three hours riding sleek and stylish box cars that roll down a ramp and travel through a winding asphalt track at speeds around 10 mph.

The popular track attracts thousands of tourists and residents annually, and is relatively new after relocating from its Pearl City site to Kunia, and breaking ground in fall of 2005.

Cowling said the track teaches basic rules of the road, provides a wholesome outdoor activity and promotes family bonding. In most cases, parents are required to attend and may ride with their child in a tandem car, he said.

"We're teaching Mom and Dad to teach their kids to drive, and they get to do it together," Cowling said. "That's what's special about it."

Jan Shea, of 'Ewa Beach, took her grandchildren, Chiara and Mikel Santiel, and neighbor, Ashlinne Spencer, to the track recently.

"We came here because it would be a new experience," Spencer said. "It's more fun when you do it with other people so you don't feel lonely."

Shea said she appreciated the detailed safety orientation by 12-year-old instructor Paul Hann, and controlled track environment.

For safety, everyone must wear sport shoes, kids younger than 18 must wear long pants covering their ankles, and drivers and riders must wear helmets.

"I like it structured," Shea said. "I like the rules and regulations, so they don't go wild."

The track is also fun for instructors such as Hann and Kelly Carrington, 22.

Hann, a volunteer, met Cowling several months ago as the youngster was recycling cans near the track.

"I learn something new every day," Hann said. "I help children to learn how to ride. It's a good feeling when you see little kids driving down the ramp, and you know you taught them how to ride."

The same goes for Carrington, who started as a volunteer five years ago and now works for Cowling, fixing box cars and giving driving lessons. She said her work is rewarding.

"It's about being with parents and interacting," Carrington said. "Most times, siblings don't hang out with each other, or hang out with their parents. So I think (box car driving) really helps promote that."

Recently, Carrington taught an autistic child to drive a box car. Both she and the child came out better for the experience, she said.

"I had to work through almost everything with him," Carrington recalled. "By the end, he could drive, he could stay in his lane (and) he drove just like the rest of the kids. His dad thanked me for taking the time to sit down and help him."

The track is open seven days a week, and is available for hosting parties.

Cowling also offers a free summer youth program where kids learn to build box cars, and year-round weekend programs where participants help around the track, and can earn part-time jobs as they mature.

"The kids have the opportunity to come here, and they learn to work on box cars ... and they grow into junior instructors," Cowling said. "In fact, I think out of the 12 on staff, eight came here as volunteers and are students usually working their first job."

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.