Drew Barrymore strapped on a helmet and went for a spin on US talk show host Jay Leno’s new racetrack.

The actress became the first celebrity to get behind the wheel on the course, which was built especially for the car-mad presenter for his new show, which debuted this week.

The show will feature a variety of zero-emission vehicles, including the electric car that the Whip It star drove.

Barrymore, 34, sped around the track – despite admitting that she does not currently have a driver’s licence.

“It’s ironic,” she said. “I actually don’t have my driver’s licence right now. I haven’t had time to go and renew it.”

On the way around the track, the former child star had to avoid certain obstacles, including exploding streamers and a giant-size cardboard cut-out of environmentalist, Al Gore, on her second lap.

Jay Leno explained: “Al Gore does not understand these are electric cars, so he will try to stop you.”

The actress managed the course in 54.36 seconds.

Other guests are also due to get behind the wheel on future shows.