Is it penalized to steer with one hand in Subject 2?
3 Answers
Steering with one hand in Subject 2 is not penalized. Here are the relevant details: Slow reaction: Steering with one hand can make it difficult to track how much the wheel has been turned, especially during reverse parking. Additionally, if the steering is heavy, one hand might not be sufficient, leading to delays and potential wheel crossing the line. Subject 2, also known as the small road test: It is part of the motor vehicle driver's license examination and refers to the field driving skills test. For small vehicles (C1/C2), the test items include reverse parking, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-turns) as the five mandatory items (some regions include a sixth item, highway toll card collection).
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I must warn you about the pitfalls of steering with one hand during Subject 2. Every move is scored during the test—taking both hands off the wheel deducts 10 points immediately, and doing it twice in a row means failing. I've seen trainees try to look cool by steering with one hand during the slope stop, only to have their car tilt and cross the line, forcing a retake. You should develop the habit of holding the wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions with both hands during practice. Quick turns during reverse parking rely on wrist strength. Don't assume the test car's light steering means you can slack off—examiners watch these details closely. After all, driving is a skill that requires coordination of hands and feet, and getting used to one-handed steering makes real-road driving even more dangerous.
I just finished invigilating a student's Subject 2 driving test and specifically inquired about the grading rules. The entire test is monitored by electronic cameras tracking steering wheel movements – any single-handed turn exceeding 90 degrees will definitely incur penalties. Reversing into bays and parallel parking are where this mistake most commonly occurs; some candidates instinctively release their left hand when shifting gears, causing the car to deviate and resulting in automatic failure. I constantly emphasize the push-pull steering method to my students – left hand pushing while right hand receiving creates exceptional stability. During mock tests, I have students record voice reminders to maintain two-handed operation throughout, especially since the exam fees are so expensive – no one wants to fail over minor errors.
