Will you lose points for steering with one hand during the Subject 3 driving test?
2 Answers
Steering with one hand will not result in point deductions. During the test, there are often situations where you need to shift gears, which requires using only one hand to steer. However, it is not allowed to take both hands off the steering wheel, and the examiner may press the auxiliary brake for safety reasons, leading to an immediate failure. Effects of driving with one hand: Emergency braking: In the event of sudden braking, human instinct typically leads to using both hands for support. If you are driving with one hand, sudden braking may cause the car to veer. Vehicle deviation: Controlling the steering wheel with one hand is inferior to using both hands in terms of strength, speed, and precision. Driving on bumpy roads can easily lead to vehicle deviation, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. Sudden incidents: In case of unexpected situations, the first priority is to maintain control of the steering wheel. For example, if a tire bursts, the car's direction may suddenly change. Driving with one hand may result in insufficient force to stabilize the steering wheel promptly, potentially causing an accident. Lane changes: During urgent lane changes, the lack of sufficient force and precision from one-handed operation may lead to traffic accidents.
I just passed my driving test (Subject 3) last month. On the exam day, I was extremely nervous and paid special attention to steering wheel operation. The instructor repeatedly emphasized that both hands must remain on the steering wheel throughout the test - single-handed operation would be considered dangerous driving behavior resulting in immediate failure. I remember a male candidate next to me failed on the spot because he adjusted the wheel with one hand during a turn. While occasional single-handed steering is acceptable in daily driving, the exam is different - the system monitors hand positions continuously. Even failing to return a hand promptly after gear shifting triggers point deduction. My suggestion is to develop muscle memory during practice: push with left hand while pulling with right when turning, and reverse the motion when straightening - this reflexive technique prevents mistakes during the actual test.
