How to Deal with Unstable Steering Control in the Driving Test (Subject 3)?
4 Answers
When experiencing unstable steering control during Subject 3 of the driving test, you should look into the distance while driving to enhance your sense of direction. This helps in early detection of whether the vehicle is aligned with the road. Additionally, psychological adjustment is crucial. If you notice the vehicle deviating, make slight and gradual steering corrections with small angle adjustments. Below are some tips for Subject 3 of the driving test: 1. Follow the instructions: Listen carefully to the voice commands during Subject 3 and act accordingly. Avoid performing actions before the voice command ends; always wait for the completion of the instruction before proceeding. 2. Pay attention to special zones: In many regions, voice commands no longer remind candidates about special zones such as school areas, bus stops, and crosswalks. However, candidates must recognize these zones by the project signs on the roadside and the road markings, and perform corresponding deceleration or yielding actions. For school zones, apply the brakes within 10 meters of the project sign, keeping the speed below 30 km/h. For bus stops, apply the brakes within 10 meters of the project sign, maintaining a speed below 30 km/h. For crosswalks, decelerate by applying the brakes within 30 meters before the crosswalk, and stop to yield if pedestrians are crossing.
When I was practicing for the driving test (Section 3), my instructor also scolded me for unstable steering. Later, I realized the main issue was focusing too closely ahead. You need to look at the center of the road in the distance, just like how you don't stare at your toes when walking. Don't death-grip the steering wheel – resting your hands lightly at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions is most stable. When making corrections, don't turn more than half a fist-width at a time. Practice straight-line driving to find the steering wheel's center point, and always check mirrors before turning. During the test, adjust your seat slightly forward with your back firmly against the seatback and arms naturally bent for precise control. I practiced two hours daily focusing specifically on straight-line driving, and after twenty days my steering became noticeably more stable.
An unstable steering wheel is mostly due to improper seat adjustment. Once before a test, I found the seat was too high, causing my arms to hang stiffly while steering. Now, every time I get in the car, I adjust the backrest to about 100 degrees, ensuring my wrists rest comfortably on the top edge of the steering wheel, and my eye level allows me to see the front edge of the hood. Straight-line driving is the most challenging; you can use the raised points on the wipers to align with the roadside lines to check if the direction is off. During practice, find an open road to intentionally drive in S-curves to train fine-tuning skills, keeping the speed around 25 km/h for better control. The third driving test is all about mastering the details—don’t panic if the instructor yells a few times.
Failing the driving test on steering issues is often due to a narrow field of vision. Initially, I kept staring at the hood, causing the car to drift left and right. Later, the instructor advised focusing on the vanishing point of the lane in the distance, and suddenly the steering wheel became much more responsive. When approaching intersections, slow down to below 20 km/h in advance to reduce the need for steering corrections. Don’t grip the wheel like wringing a towel; instead, rest your hands lightly on both sides and turn it gently, as if holding a tray. Practicing muscle memory daily with a water bottle as a steering wheel is quite helpful, especially for developing a better sense of direction.
