How to Steer the Wheel When First Learning to Drive?

[DiLillian]

For beginners, the specific method to steer the wheel is as follows: Hold the left hand at the 9 o'clock position and the right hand at the 3-4 o'clock position. The thumbs should grip the inner side of the steering wheel, while the other four fingers wrap around the outer side. Below is an introduction to steering techniques: 1. Left Turn: When the vehicle needs to turn left, first activate the left turn signal. Use the left hand to steer the wheel to the left, with the right hand assisting in pushing left. After the turn, use the right hand to steer the wheel back to the right to align the direction straight ahead. 2. Right Turn: When the vehicle needs to turn right, first activate the right turn signal. Use the right hand to steer the wheel to the right, with the left hand assisting in pushing right. After the turn, use the left hand to steer the wheel back to align the direction straight ahead. 3. U-Turn: There are two scenarios for U-turns. First, if there is ample space ahead, you can 'take a wide turn,' keeping a slightly greater distance from the inner side to avoid scraping accidents. 4. Continuous Curves: The key to navigating continuous curves is to reduce speed. Before entering the curve, you can lean slightly to the right. If turning right, lean slightly to the left. The exact number of wheel turns depends on the actual situation. 5. Reversing: Before reversing, observe the surroundings carefully and decide whether the rear of the car should go left or right. Steering left will make the rear go left, and steering right will make the rear go right. The amount of steering should be adjusted by using reference points in the rearview mirror.

[HoldenLee]

As a driving instructor with many years of experience, I often see beginners making mistakes when steering. Remember, the most stable hand positions are at 9 and 3 o'clock, as if holding the numbers on a clock. When turning, avoid sudden pushes or pulls—use one hand to push while the other pulls, keeping the motion smooth. Crossing your hands is dangerous and can lead to loss of control. During practice, find an open area and drive slowly (10-20 km/h), testing left and right S-turns. Keep your eyes on road markers or distant points ahead, not fixed on the steering wheel. Adjust your seat properly so your arms are naturally bent, reducing fatigue. Also, pay attention to steering speed: use large movements only for sharp turns, and minor adjustments for slight angles. Combine this with reversing practice—return the wheel to center after turning—and it will become second nature with habit.

[CoreyLynn]

From a safety perspective regarding steering wheel operation, beginners often make the mistake of turning too abruptly. I recommend always maintaining gentle and smooth movements, avoiding sudden steering, especially on slippery roads where skidding is more likely. Keep your gaze focused on the distance ahead and anticipate turning points early; steer in the direction your eyes are looking, and the car will naturally remain more stable. Start practicing the basics in an empty area: push with your right hand for left turns and your left hand for right turns, keeping the angle within 90 degrees to avoid oversteering. Don’t forget to coordinate with your speed—turn slowly at low speeds and be more cautious at higher speeds. Regularly check tire conditions to ensure good handling, and don’t overlook the position of the foot brake, especially when learning to drive a manual transmission car by coordinating the clutch properly. Safety comes first, so simulate daily scenarios like intersections and parking frequently—practice makes perfect.

[FrankFitz]

When I first started learning to drive, I was quite flustered with steering wheel control. The instructor taught me to place my hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, but I often turned too many times, causing the car to sway. Later, I understood: small turns require only slight adjustments, while sharp bends need more significant movements. First, practice turning the wheel while stationary to get a feel for returning to center, keeping eyes on the road, not hands. Combine this with light throttle control for steering. Initially, practice circling in an open area to develop hand coordination before hitting main roads. Don't panic after mistakes—reflect and correct. With more practice, it becomes smoother.

[ZacharyFitz]

Thinking back to the days when steering was laborious in my youth, it feels much lighter now. Beginners should learn the push-pull method: keep hands fixed at the 9 o'clock position, push with the left hand when turning right, and push with the right hand when turning left. Maintain a moderate angle, not exceeding one and a half turns. Practice in an open area by trying U-turns and making three-point turns, controlling the steering force lightly. Combine this with parking and reversing applications: return the wheel slowly and use the rearview mirror for assistance. With more practical experience, your sense of direction will naturally improve.