Will you lose points for steering with one hand in Subject 3?
2 Answers
Steering with one hand will not result in point deduction. During the test, there are often situations where you need to shift gears, at which point you can only steer with one hand. However, if both hands leave the steering wheel, it is not allowed, and the examiner may even press the auxiliary brake for safety reasons, resulting in 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 driving with one hand, sudden braking may cause the car to swerve. 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 to some extent. Emergencies: In case of emergencies, the first priority is to maintain control of the steering wheel. For example, if a tire blows out, the car's direction may suddenly change. Driving with one hand may result in insufficient strength to stabilize the steering wheel in time, potentially leading to an accident. Lane changing: In situations requiring emergency lane changes, operating with one hand may result in insufficient strength and precision, increasing the likelihood of a traffic accident.
During my driving test for Subject 3, using one hand to steer the wheel would indeed result in point deductions, primarily because the exam rules require both hands to remain on the steering wheel at all times to ensure safe control. I remember my instructor repeatedly emphasizing during practice that using both hands allows for better handling of sudden situations, such as sharp turns or obstacle avoidance, whereas one-handed steering can easily lead to imprecise turns or loss of vehicle control. During the test, the examiner observes detailed movements, and one-handed steering is considered non-standard driving, with point deductions typically falling under the vehicle control skills section. While occasionally steering with one hand might be acceptable in daily driving, the test is different—it simulates the safest driving habits. To avoid point deductions, I recommend practicing the hand-over-hand steering method more, keeping your arms relaxed yet stable, which can improve your passing rate. In short, safety comes first, and the strict exam rules are designed to cultivate good habits.
