Having missed his bus, a 6-year-old boy in America tried to drive to school in his family's car.

The incident took place at around 7.40am on Monday on Route 360 near the town of Richmond, Virginia.

Police said the boy, who wasn't identified, missed the school bus, so decided to take the keys to his family's Ford Taurus and drive toward school while his mother was asleep.

He ran off the road several times before hitting an embankment and utility pole. Police say he wasn't wearing a safety belt.

Police said the boy suffered only minor injuries, and eventually got to school after being checked by doctors at a local hospital.

"He was very intent on getting to school," said Sheriff Chuck Wilkins. "When he got out of the car, he started walking to school. He did not want to miss breakfast and PE."

The boy's mother has not been offered bail, but his father has been released.