What to Do When a Beginner Driver's Car Veers Off Course?
4 Answers
For beginners who have just obtained their driver's license, veering off course while driving is extremely common. The solutions are as follows: 1. Adjust to the correct sitting posture, with your wrists just resting on the top of the steering wheel, and your right foot still having a certain angle of bend when the brake is fully depressed. 2. While driving, try to look as far ahead as possible, not just at the tail of the car in front. 3. When driving, look at the road and feel like you are sitting in the middle of the road, then the car will run in the middle of the lane. 4. When there are arrows on the road, feel like you are sitting on the arrow, and the car will run in the middle of the lane. If the driver has trouble driving straight, it is recommended to practice using the following method: Find a straight road or square with few people and cars, ask a friend to stand in the distance, use the friend as a reference point, and drive from the other end towards them. During this time, remind the friend to signal if they notice the driver veering off course, so adjustments can be made promptly. Practicing this multiple times will help develop a feel for the car.
When I first learned to drive, the car kept veering off course, mainly because I couldn't control the steering wheel steadily. Beginners tend to grip the wheel tightly when nervous, but actually, you should hold it lightly at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions and look at the centerline of the road in the distance. It's recommended to practice on a straight, open road, trying to keep the car straight with slight adjustments to the steering, avoiding sudden turns. Uneven tire pressure can also cause the car to veer, so check if the tire pressure is consistent on all four tires. If there's an issue with the power steering, go to a repair shop for a check-up promptly. Develop a habit of self-testing while driving regularly, such as testing if the car can go straight on a flat road. With more practice, you'll improve your road sense.
I've driven many car models, and the vehicle pulling to one side isn't necessarily due to poor driving skills—the car itself can be a major factor. Uneven tire wear or low tire pressure can cause force imbalance, which can be easily detected with a simple tire pressure gauge. Also, check if the steering wheel returns to center properly, and new drivers should avoid developing the bad habit of forcing the steering wheel. Suspension issues like misaligned wheels can also make it difficult to drive straight, so it's best to have a professional mechanic adjust it. When driving, pay attention to road camber and wind speed; driving slower in strong winds is safer. Correcting small mistakes early leads to faster improvement.
When I first started driving, I often drifted off course and felt extremely nervous. The key is to relax, take deep breaths to calm down, and focus your eyes on the road about 100 meters ahead instead of staring at what's right in front. Drifting is usually caused by overcorrecting the steering. Try practicing slight steering adjustments on quiet roads in your neighborhood to get a feel for how the wheels respond. Beginners often overlook proper seating posture—keep your back against the seat and your arms naturally bent. A few practice sessions will help you get used to the rhythm. Don’t rush to drive fast.
