29/05/2026
Are You Holding the Steering Wheel Correctly? What UK Drivers Should Know!
Most drivers never really think about how they hold the steering wheel. It becomes habit after a while. But the way you position your hands can affect everything from comfort and reaction time to overall control of the car.
For learner drivers in the UK, steering technique matters even more because it is something DVSA examiners pay close attention to during the driving test. You are not expected to drive like a robot, but you are expected to stay in control of the vehicle at all times.
What the DVSA Expects
The DVSA does not demand one exact hand position, but its guidance is clear on one thing: you must keep proper control of the vehicle while driving.
That means your steering should feel smooth, steady, and safe. If the car is jerking around corners, drifting in lanes, or your steering looks rushed and uncertain, it will stand out during the test.
The Highway Code also advises drivers to keep both hands on the wheel whenever possible. It is all about maintaining control and reacting safely if something changes suddenly on the road.
The Best Position for Your Hands
Most driving instructors in the UK now teach the “9 and 3” position.
Think of the steering wheel like a clock face:
Left hand at 9 o’clock
Right hand at 3 o’clock
This position gives you balanced control and makes steering feel more natural, especially at higher speeds or on busy roads.
Years ago, many people were taught “10 and 2,” but modern cars and airbag systems have changed that. Today, 9 and 3 is generally considered the safer and more comfortable option.
Don’t Grip the Wheel Too Hard
A lot of learners do this without noticing. They grip the steering wheel so tightly their arms become stiff.
The result? Steering starts to look forced instead of smooth.
You only need a firm but relaxed hold. Your shoulders should stay loose, and your arms should have a slight bend rather than being locked straight. If your hands start aching after a short drive, you are probably holding the wheel too tightly.
The Push-Pull Method Explained
In the UK, most instructors teach what is known as the push-pull steering method.
Instead of crossing your arms over each other, one hand pushes the wheel upward while the other guides it back down. It sounds technical at first, but after a little practice it becomes second nature.
The main advantage is control. Your hands stay in a safer position, and the steering tends to be smoother, especially on roundabouts and tighter turns.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make
Driving One-Handed
You will see experienced drivers do this all the time, but during a driving test it can become a problem if it reduces your control of the car. Keeping both hands on the wheel is always the safer habit.
Letting the Wheel Slide Back
After turning a corner, some drivers let the steering wheel spin freely through their hands. It might feel quicker, but examiners usually prefer drivers to guide the wheel back in a controlled way.
Looking at the Wheel While Turning
Your eyes should stay on the road, not on your hands. The car naturally follows where you are looking, which is why instructors constantly remind learners to look ahead through bends and junctions.
Will Hand Position Affect Your Driving Test?
Not as much as people think.
Examiners are more interested in whether you can steer safely and keep the car under control than whether your hands stay perfectly fixed at 9 and 3 every second of the drive.
Good steering should look calm and natural. If the car moves smoothly and you stay aware of what is happening around you, that matters far more than trying to imitate textbook-perfect movements.
Final Thoughts
Good steering is one of those skills that quietly shapes the whole driving experience. When your hands are positioned properly and your steering feels relaxed, the car becomes easier to control and driving feels far less stressful.
For most UK drivers, the safest approach is simple:
Keep both hands on the wheel where possible
Use the 9 and 3 position
Steer smoothly instead of sharply
Stay relaxed and keep your eyes ahead
It may seem like a small detail, but it is one of the habits that separates nervous driving from confident driving.
www.letsdriveautomatic.co.uk
