Aim: To understand and practise how to hold the steering wheel and steer the car to be in full control at all times.

 

When we are steering slight bends in the road, we can often keep both hands in a fixed position and simply turn the wheel to keep full control. We can only do this up to a certain angle before we need to start repositioning our hands by "feeding the wheel".

 

Especially when turning at junctions, we will need to do this, using the "push & pull" technique, this ensures we have full control at all times and the long drawn out movements keep our driving nice and smooth. (smaller wheel feeding movements "shuffling" will cause an unstable rocking feeling when turning).

 

There is no right or wrong way to hold a steering wheel, some instructors might teach a particular hand positions and be quite strict with it. Although there is no right or wrong method, there is a criteria to meet, "the driver must be in full control of the vehicle at all times".

 

We’ll discuss the pros & cons of different hand position and steering techniques, what works well and what to avoid. In time you'll find what best suits you to meet the safety criteria.

 

We have already mentioned the push & pull technique to maintain full control of the car when steering. This generally is the preferred method when steering as it give both hands full contact with the steering wheel at all times and maintains optimal control.

 

To start, we can practise this method on the spot without moving.

 

We’ll then combine our new steering skills with what we have just learnt driving at low speeds in 1^st & 2^nd gears by making some shallow turns on a road with some bends.

 

The principal of push & pull steering is all about keeping you hands symmetrical and transferring you grip from one to the other.

 

1. Note how the left hand isn't quite holding the wheel, it's just loosely touching, the right hand is doing the gripping.

 

2. The right hand pulls downwards, our loose left hand mirrors the right hands movement until they meet at the bottom of the wheel.

 

3. Our grip now transfers to the left hand, our right hand is now loosely touching.

 

4. Our left hand pushes the wheel upwards and our right hand mirrors the movement until both hand meet at the top.

 

The process then repeats.

 

 

Tip: Keep both hands on the wheel at all times if possible. If you are stationary in traffic, have at least one hand on the wheel.

You can practise this method at home, a dinner plate works well.