Why does a novice driver's car tend to drift off course?
2 Answers
For new drivers who have just obtained their licenses, drifting off course while driving is an extremely common issue. The root cause is insufficient driving experience, inadequate control over the vehicle, and the lack of a well-developed sense of the car. Here are some additional tips for novice drivers: 1. Adjust your seating position: Ensure a correct seating posture where your wrists can comfortably rest on the top of the steering wheel, and your right foot should have a slight bend when fully pressing the brake pedal. 2. Look ahead: While driving, try to look as far ahead as possible instead of just focusing on the tail of the car in front. 3. Get the right feel: When driving, look at the road and imagine yourself sitting in the middle of the road, which helps in keeping the car centered in the lane.
My name is Master Zhang, and I've been driving trucks for long-distance hauls for decades. I've helped many novice drivers with their tendency to veer off course. The most likely cause is improper driving habits, such as tensing up the arms too much when nervous, which can make the vehicle swerve with just a slight turn of the steering wheel, or uneven hand pressure leading to side-to-side wobbling. I recommend starting with simple checks: use a tire pressure gauge to ensure all four tires have consistent pressure—even a 1-2 psi difference can pull the vehicle off course. Uneven tire wear can also cause drifting, so rotating the tires regularly is beneficial. It's natural for beginners to feel tense, but try to relax your shoulders while practicing, lightly resting your hands on the wheel for minor adjustments, and maintain a steady speed below 60 km/h to avoid losing control. Spend more time practicing on straight, flat roads—with time, your steering feel will improve.
