How Much Steering is Appropriate for Beginners When Turning?
3 Answers
There is no standard answer. The angle of steering varies depending on different road conditions while the vehicle is in motion. If driving too fast, turning the wheel slowly will definitely result in not being able to make the turn. Therefore, controlling the speed during a turn makes steering the wheel easier to handle. Taboos for beginner drivers: 1. Overtaking without signaling: Overtaking on the highway is normal. Many beginners lack experience and forget to use the turn signal when overtaking, or start overtaking without carefully checking after signaling. This poses two major dangers: first, the car ahead might also be preparing to overtake and moves out, and second, the car behind might be too close or also trying to overtake, leading to a collision as both vie for the same lane. 2. Following too closely: On the highway, speeds are high, so the distance between cars should be increased accordingly. At a speed of 100 km/h, the wheels cover about 28 meters in one second, so following too closely can easily lead to traffic accidents.
As a new driver, I used to get very nervous when making turns while learning to drive, always wondering exactly how many degrees I should turn the steering wheel. But in reality, there's no fixed number because it entirely depends on your speed and the sharpness of the turn. At slower speeds (e.g., 10-20 km/h), a 90-degree right turn might only require turning the wheel 30-60 degrees; at higher speeds or on sharper turns, you may need to turn it 90 degrees or more. My advice is to slow down before turning, focus on the direction you want to go, and avoid frantic adjustments. Practice in an empty parking lot, simulating different turns until you feel comfortable before hitting the road. For safety, avoid jerking the wheel too hard to prevent losing control—driving is all about practice making perfect. The more you drive, the more natural it will feel. Don’t fear mistakes; just stay calm and focused.
From a safety perspective, I must say that both oversteering and understeering are dangerous for beginners. I've encountered too many accidents caused by sudden steering during turns, leading to skidding or fishtailing. How much to steer? I emphasize balancing speed and curve radius: for slow turns (within 20km/h), steer 30-60 degrees; for faster turns, slightly more. The basic principle is to steer smoothly, avoiding abrupt movements that could cause loss of tire traction. Also, pay attention to road conditions and weather effects—for example, be even more cautious with steering input during rain. Beginners should prepare with some tips: check tire pressure before practice, and start with simple curves in a simulated training area. If a mistake occurs, adjust immediately without panic. Remember, safe driving is more important than speed, and slowing down before a turn is absolutely necessary.
