Is it mandatory to hold the steering wheel with both hands in Subject 2 of the driving test?
4 Answers
There is no requirement to hold the steering wheel with both hands in Subject 2 of the driving test. Below are the specific details about the steering wheel: 1. Function: The steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, airplanes, etc. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. It mainly consists of a frame, foam, and corresponding installation clips or screw holes for the driver's airbag (DAB). 2. Modification Notes: Modifying the steering wheel does not violate relevant regulations. The annual inspection focuses more on the vehicle's performance and appearance. When modifying, it is only necessary to go to a compliant 4S shop for the modification.
According to the examination standards, both hands must be used to operate the steering wheel in Subject 2. Just a couple of days ago, I was guiding several students through their test, and one young man was instantly failed by the system for steering with one hand during the hill start. The instructor repeatedly emphasizes that the '3-9 o’clock hand position' is not only a safety habit but also a mandatory requirement for the test—for instance, frequent full turns of the steering wheel left and right are needed when reversing into the parking space, and using one hand can easily lead to insufficient steering, causing the wheels to cross the line. During the actual test, electronic monitoring is in place throughout, and points will be deducted if one hand is used for more than 3 seconds. It is advisable to develop this habit during regular practice to avoid failing due to such details.
As a driving school safety officer, I have supervised over a thousand Category 2 driving tests. I clearly inform students: maintaining both hands on the wheel throughout is both a safety requirement and an examination standard. Particularly during right-angle turns, steering with one hand can easily cause the wheel to lose control due to inertia, resulting in tire contact with the corner. Statistics show that the error rate for one-handed steering is over five times higher than for two-handed steering. However, some students ask about special situations, such as whether they can briefly use one hand to adjust direction during S-curves. The answer is absolutely not. The test requires maintaining the 'three-nine' hand position at all times, even during tasks like the slalom course that require rapid wheel movements, which must be performed with alternating hands.
Last year, I thoroughly researched the new regulations while teaching my daughter to get her driver's license. The second subject requires both hands to remain on the steering wheel at all times, which is clearly stated in the 'Motor Vehicle Driver Examination Content and Methods.' During my coaching, I found that one-handed operation is particularly dangerous during parallel parking: when you need to quickly straighten the wheel, it's easy to miss the reference points, and the steering wheel might automatically rebound due to insufficient grip. Remember the six key tasks—reverse parking, parallel parking, hill start, right-angle turn, S-curve, and narrow road U-turn—using one hand in any of these will be judged as non-compliant operation.
