Steering a vehicle correctly is a fundamental skill and a demonstration of control and safety that examiners look for during a driving test. The technique used to manipulate the steering wheel directly impacts the smoothness of the vehicle’s movement and the driver’s ability to react. Approved steering methods maximize control while minimizing the risk of injury, particularly in modern vehicles equipped with airbags. Mastering these specific techniques is necessary for any driver seeking to pass their examination and ensure safe operation.
The Foundation: Proper Hand Position
The starting point for correct steering is the placement of the hands on the wheel, which should be maintained at all times unless operating another vehicle control. The widely accepted positions are the “9 and 3” or the “8 and 4” positions, using the clock face as an analogy. Placing hands at these points keeps the arms relaxed and provides the greatest range of motion for steering input.
The older “10 and 2” position is now discouraged by safety organizations due to steering wheel-mounted airbags. If an airbag deploys, hands placed high on the wheel can be forcefully propelled into the driver’s face or chest, causing severe injury. Lower hand positions ensure the arms are positioned away from the airbag’s deployment path. The grip should be firm enough to maintain control but relaxed, with thumbs resting along the rim of the wheel.
The Approved Turning Method: Push-Pull Steering
For most general driving, including navigating curves and making standard turns, the preferred technique is the Push-Pull method, also known as Hand-to-Hand steering. This method is favored because it keeps both hands on the wheel’s outer rim and prevents the arms from crossing over the center hub. This non-crossing action is a safety measure that keeps the driver’s arms clear of the airbag module in the event of a collision.
To execute a turn, one hand pushes the wheel up while the opposite hand slides down to meet it, then pulls the wheel further down. For example, in a left turn, the left hand pushes up from the 9 o’clock position toward 12 o’clock, while the right hand slides down and pulls up. The hands alternate this pushing and pulling motion, never crossing the vertical centerline of the wheel. This controlled input results in smoother turns and allows the driver to maintain a consistent grip.
Steering for Low-Speed Maneuvers
While the Push-Pull method is the standard for general driving, the Hand-Over-Hand technique is acceptable for specific, low-speed maneuvers requiring large steering input. These maneuvers include parallel parking, three-point turns, and navigating tight spaces. The Hand-Over-Hand method involves one hand reaching across the wheel to grasp the opposite side, pulling the wheel down, and then the other hand crossing over the first to continue the rotation.
This technique allows for quicker rotation of the wheel, which is needed to achieve full steering lock in confined areas. Hand-Over-Hand is reserved for these low-speed situations where the risk of airbag injury is lower. Drivers must maintain a smooth, controlled motion and avoid turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is completely stationary, a practice known as “dry steering,” which can damage components.
Critical Steering Mistakes to Avoid
Examiners look for specific errors that indicate a lack of control or poor safety habits, which can result in major faults on the driving test. One common error is “palming” or “cupping,” which involves steering with the palm of the hand or using only one hand to rotate the wheel. This action significantly reduces the driver’s ability to make quick, precise corrections.
Another frequent mistake is allowing the steering wheel to “slide” or “spin back” uncontrolled after completing a turn. The driver must maintain light contact with the wheel to guide it back to the center position, demonstrating active control. Excessive hand crossing during general driving violates the Push-Pull method and compromises safety during airbag deployment. Finally, driving with only one hand on the wheel, except for brief actions like operating the turn signal, is a clear sign of poor control and will be marked as a fault.