How to Make Turns and Steer for Beginner Drivers
2 Answers
Turn the steering wheel half a turn to the right and return it to the center, shift into drive gear to start, with left and right hands holding the steering wheel at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions respectively. While driving, make slight left adjustments to the steering, about a quarter turn. Keep both hands on the steering wheel and, without changing the grip, gently turn the steering wheel to the left.
When I first started learning to drive, turning was a big challenge. The instructor always emphasized slowing down to a safe speed before turning, such as maintaining 20-30 km/h on city roads. The way you handle the steering wheel is even more important: keep both hands firmly at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, and don’t rush to operate it with one hand. When turning left, gently push out with your left hand while your right hand follows; reverse the motion for a right turn. The key is to anticipate the size of the curve—smaller turns require smaller movements, and larger turns need bigger ones, but avoid jerking the wheel, as it can easily lead to loss of control. After completing the turn, always let the steering wheel return naturally—don’t force it back, which is a common mistake among beginners. I recommend finding an empty parking lot to practice multiple times, such as drawing lines to practice turning in circles. Once you’re comfortable, take it to the road—this helps develop road sense and confidence. Remember, safety comes first: slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.
