How can a beginner keep the car straight on the road?

[VonTeagan]

Beginners can keep the car straight on the road by following these methods: 1. When driving forward, do not grip the steering wheel too tightly: look far ahead, hold the steering wheel lightly but firmly, and make timely adjustments. Always check the rearview mirror when reversing. 2. Master the timing of turning the steering wheel back: not too early or too late. Keep your eyes forward, use the center line as a reference, and make slight adjustments based on road conditions after straightening the car. Avoid making large steering movements. 3. Maintain a moderate speed, neither too fast nor too slow, and find your own rhythm: If there are lines on the road, use them as a reference and drive along the direction of the lines without frequently changing the steering wheel.

[Archie]

I remember when I first started learning to drive, I always had trouble keeping the car straight and ended up driving in curves. My friends joked that I looked like I was drunk. An experienced driver then taught me a trick: focus on a fixed point in the distance, like a streetlight or the license plate of the car ahead a few hundred meters away. By not staring at the nearby lane markings, it’s easier to avoid drifting. Hold the steering wheel gently, as if cradling a cat, and avoid gripping it too tightly, which can lead to overcorrection. He suggested that beginners practice on straight suburban roads at speeds of 50 to 60 km/h, avoiding highways initially because the fast traffic can be stressful. After practicing a few times and getting the hang of it, adjust the seat height so your arms are naturally bent for better steering control. Weather conditions also matter—for example, when it rains, the road is slippery, so you need to drive more steadily. Opening the window for fresh air can help you stay focused. I’ve always stayed committed to concentrating on driving, keeping my phone aside, and now driving straight is a piece of cake—my confidence has grown tremendously.

[VanAmara]

After years of driving, I've concluded that novices tend to drift off course mainly due to incorrect eye positioning. The core technique is to look 200 meters ahead, predicting the road's trajectory for effortless steering control. Hold the steering wheel lightly to avoid excessive micro-adjustments that cause the car to sway. Start with speeds around 40km/h, maintaining steady velocity is key—avoid frequent lane changes. Beginners often glance down at the dashboard or drive nervously, leading to distraction and veering. I recommend adjusting mirror angles before practice. Vehicle maintenance matters too—underinflated tires cause unstable handling; ensure proper inflation. Practice straight-line acceleration and braking in empty parking lots to understand inertia. Patience is the key to progress, with safe driving as the foremost principle—don't rush for quick results.

[McColin]

I think beginners learning to drive need to rely on hands-on practice. My approach is to sit upright, focus on a distant target point like a billboard, relax the steering wheel, and let the natural force straighten the car. Driving repeatedly on a straight road at low speeds around 40 km/h helps develop a feel for subtle adjustments—this is how you build car control. If you get distracted, immediately refocus your attention and avoid dozing off. Assistance features like lane-keeping are useful, but don’t rely on them—manual practice for foundational skills is more important.