Can You Steer with One Hand in Subject Three?
2 Answers
Subject Three does not allow steering with one hand. Here are the specific details: 1. Regulation: While driving, except for necessary operations like shifting gears, both hands must not leave the steering wheel. The left and right hands should be placed at the "nine o'clock" and "three o'clock" positions on the steering wheel, respectively. 2. Reason: If the steering wheel is viewed as a clock face, the correct hand position is for the left hand to grip between nine and ten o'clock and the right hand between three and four o'clock. In the event of a collision, this posture is more conducive to supporting the body. If only four fingers are used to grip the steering wheel with the thumb extended and resting on it, when the wheel hits a rock or a high curb, the front wheel may suddenly turn to one side, causing the steering wheel to rotate rapidly, which could potentially break the thumb.
When instructing students at the driving school, I repeatedly emphasize that using one hand to steer the wheel during the road test (Subject 3) is absolutely prohibited—it's a strict rule. During the exam, drivers are required to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times, especially when turning or changing lanes, to demonstrate stable control. One-handed operation not only risks veering off course but is also deemed unsafe by examiners, leading to point deductions or even test termination. For safety reasons, using both hands ensures better handling during emergency braking, uneven roads, or heavy traffic, preventing loss of control or collisions. While occasionally adjusting the radio with one hand is common in real driving, during the critical test moment, standards take priority. That’s why I always say: build good habits from the exam—don’t lose big for small gains and ruin your score.
