How to steer a car
While driving, hold the steering wheel with a relaxed grip as holding the wheel too firmly can make your hands and arms ache, especially when travelling long distances.
Holding the steering wheel at the 10 to 2 position, allows you to operate the indicators, wipers and headlights, without the need for too much hand movement and it also helps you keep the vehicle on a straight line
Holding the steering wheel at the quarter to 3 position, allows you to operate the indicators, wipers and headlights, without the need for too much hand movement and it also helps you keep the vehicle on a straight line
Having two hands on the steering wheel gives you more control of the vehicle and allows you to react promptly in an emergency
Both hands should be on the steering wheel when driving, unless you are changing gear
Turning the wheel smoothly, reduces the chances of the vehicle skidding or significantly swerving off course and this is especially important in adverse weather
If your vehicle’s steering feels lighter on corners and bends, it may be a sign that your tyres have lost grip. At this point you should slow down to regain control
If the airbags are deployed during an accident and your hands are crossed at the time, it could cause significant injury
When turning left using the push-pull method of steering, your left hand should be positioned at 12 O’clock
When turning right using the push-pull method of steering, your right hand should be positioned at 12 O’clock
Steering back is the point at which you steer in the opposite direction to the way you’ve just turned to straighten the vehicle’s wheels
You should steer back at the point at which your vehicle is facing 12 O’clock in the new road. Doing so will ensure you continue straight as you proceed
Allowing the steering to correct itself gives you less control and precision while making it harder for you to react in an emergency
The term ‘full lock’ means turning the steering wheel to the point at which you can no longer turn the wheel in that particular direction
Straightening up at the right point when completing a turn will help you avoid parked vehicles and other obstructions while ensuring you do not cross over the centre line when there is no reason to do so, as this can be dangerous
The smaller the roundabout. the lower your speed should be. Doing so will you give you more time to move your hands quickly and ensure you steer accurately
When navigating a gradual bend at high speed, turn the wheel gently, using small amounts of movement. Large amounts of steering can cause you to skid or veer across lanes when travelling at high speed
The pull-push technique ensures two hands are always on the steering wheel and it helps drivers react quicker in an emergency as their hands are always in the correct position
The answer is false. You will not fail your driving test if your hands cross while steering, however, it is not the safest technique. If the airbags deploy and your hands are crossed, it could cause serious injury.