What are the techniques for beginners to steer the wheel?
3 Answers
After getting into the car, align your body with the steering wheel and keep it straight, with your back lightly resting against the backrest of the seat. When using the steering wheel on straight roads, the movements of both hands should be balanced and coordinated to avoid unnecessary shaking. The steering wheel not only controls the direction of the vehicle but can also help identify faults, so it's advisable to pay more attention while driving.
When I first started learning to drive, I realized that the key to steering wheel control is finding the right feel. I remember sitting in the driver's seat with my hands relaxed at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, thumbs resting naturally without gripping too tightly. For turns, use the push-pull method—push with the right hand and pull with the left for a left turn, and vice versa for a right turn. Never cross your arms, as that can cause confusion in emergencies. Keep your eyes focused on the distant direction you want to go, and the steering wheel will follow your line of sight smoothly. Practice figure-eights and right-angle turns in open spaces when you have time, gradually increasing speed to get a feel for steering at different speeds.
Several times while accompanying friends for driving practice, I noticed that beginners often make the common mistake of turning the steering wheel as if in a tug-of-war. In fact, being too tense in the arms and shoulders actually makes it harder to control. I teach them to first practice in a stationary, engine-off state: push with the right hand to the 2 o'clock position while naturally releasing the left hand, then have the left hand catch and continue pushing. Repeating this hand-over-hand motion builds muscle memory, making it much smoother when actually driving. Turn the wheel in advance before making a turn, and return it at an even speed without suddenly letting go. Finally, remember to return the wheel by the same amount you turned it - keeping the steering wheel straight is crucial.
