What is the correct way to steer the wheel when learning to drive?
3 Answers
When learning to drive, the correct way to steer the wheel is to hold the left and right sides of the steering wheel with your left and right hands respectively. Here are some details: 1. Correct way to hold the steering wheel: Before holding the wheel, adjust your seat properly—lean back in the seat, extend your arms naturally forward, and rest your wrists on top of the steering wheel. Hold the left and right sides of the steering wheel with your left and right hands, at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, respectively, to sense how many turns you've made and how many to return. 2. Reversing into a parking space: Many learners often struggle to straighten the car body after entering the space. Remember this key point—whether moving forward or backward, steer toward the side that has more space. Enter the curve along the outer bend and use slight adjustments of the steering wheel to follow the reference point. Avoid turning the wheel to the extreme; instead, follow the principle of turning quickly but returning slowly, making slight adjustments before straightening. When adjusting the car body during hill-start and hill-stop, ensure you don’t cross the solid line at the road edge, so make slight adjustments and immediately straighten the wheel after each adjustment.
When I first started learning to drive, I found it awkward to hold the steering wheel no matter how I tried. Later, my instructor taught me to place both hands at the center positions on the left and right sides of the wheel, imagining them at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions like a clock. This provides stable control. When turning, use the push-pull method: for example, to turn left, gently push your right hand upward while your left hand pulls downward in coordination. For right turns, do the opposite, avoiding excessive arm crossing to prevent jamming or loss of control. Initially, it's best to practice turns and straight-line serpentine maneuvers in an open area to ensure smooth and natural movements, avoiding sudden jerks. Safety first—never drive with one hand on the wheel, especially during high-speed lane changes. Always check mirrors and road conditions when turning, adjusting your speed accordingly. Spend extra time on simulators or empty lots to get comfortable with the feel, and take it step by step to develop good habits.
When teaching beginners about steering wheel control, I emphasize the importance of mastering basic movements. The correct technique involves placing both hands firmly at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions with moderate grip strength—neither too tight nor too loose. For turning, I recommend the push-pull method: when turning left, push with the right hand to the 12 o'clock position while pulling with the left hand, and vice versa for right turns. Smooth and coordinated movements ensure fluid steering. Common mistakes include one-handed steering or excessive arm crossing, which can lead to inaccurate steering and even rollover risks. A simple practice method is to perform figure-8 or U-turns in a parking lot to enhance control. Daily driving should focus on coordinating steering with throttle and brake inputs—always slow down before turning in curves. Developing these habits makes driving easier and safer.
