How long should a beginner practice steering on the first day?
2 Answers
It varies from half an hour to one hour. Below are relevant details: Steering wheel essentials: Grip and turning technique Imagine the steering wheel as a clock face, with the left hand holding the 9 o'clock position and the right hand holding the 3 o'clock position. Hands should grip naturally and steadily, ensuring thumbs aren't curled inward. The total rotation is one and a half turns, which can be divided into three half-turns for operation. Turning involves one hand pushing while the other receives - this constitutes one half-turn. Avoid single-handed operation. Gearshift essentials: Specific positions Hold the gear lever - push up and to the left for 1st gear; push down and to the left for reverse gear. Note: Depending on the vehicle model, students should follow the method taught by their instructor.
As someone who has long been concerned about driving safety, I believe beginners should not practice steering for more than one hour on their first day, and it's best to divide the practice into several short sessions. Practicing for 10 to 15 minutes each time is sufficient, as holding the steering wheel for extended periods can easily lead to hand fatigue and decreased concentration, making it harder to remember basic movements. The key is to first find a quiet and open space, such as a parking lot, and focus on mastering the correct grip and steering angles—placing hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and slowly practicing turns and straight-line movements. This helps avoid developing bad habits, such as gripping too tightly or using one hand. The first day's focus should not be on speed but on building muscle memory; after practice, take a break and review whether the movements were smooth. This approach reduces the risk of accidents and lays a solid foundation for subsequent lessons like gear shifting or reversing. I remember coaching many beginners—those who practiced for too long often had sore arms the next day and didn’t even want to touch the car again. The general advice is to limit practice to no more than one hour cumulatively per day, as gradual progress is both safe and effective.
