How to Steer Correctly When Learning to Drive – And Why It Really Matters
Learning to steer correctly is one of the most important foundations of safe driving. While it might seem simple at first, how you handle the steering wheel affects your control, confidence, and safety on the road — especially in an emergency.
In this post, we’ll explain the correct steering technique, why it’s safer than some common bad habits, and how you can practise at home using a steering plate or a tool like a Frisky.
Why Steering Technique Matters
Proper steering isn’t just about looking neat on your test — it’s about keeping control of the car and staying safe. When a driver uses poor technique, like letting the wheel slide through their hands or crossing their arms, it can:
- Delay their ability to react quickly
- Lead to oversteering or understeering
- Increase the risk of injury in a crash
The Push-Pull Steering Method (and Why It’s Best)
The recommended way to steer is using the push-pull method. This involves keeping your hands roughly at the 10-and-2 or 9-and-3 position and sliding them up and down the wheel without crossing over.
Here’s how it works:
- One hand pulls the wheel down while the other pushes up
- The wheel is passed smoothly between the hands
- Your arms stay on their own side of the wheel and never cross
This method keeps your posture stable and your movements controlled — both essential for precision driving.
Why Crossing Your Arms Is Risky
Some learners instinctively cross their arms when turning tightly — especially at junctions or roundabouts. It might feel easier at first, but it has several risks:
- Airbag Danger: If the airbag goes off during a crash, crossed arms near the centre of the wheel can cause serious injuries.
- Loss of Control: Crossing arms often means letting go of the wheel, which reduces your grip — especially dangerous on tight corners or wet roads.
Don’t Let the Wheel Slide Back
Another bad habit is letting the steering wheel “self-centre” by sliding back through your hands after a turn. Yes, the car’s steering system naturally straightens the wheels — but your hands should stay in control at all times.
Letting the wheel spin freely can:
- Throw off your hand position
- Delay your reaction time
- Cause you to overcorrect without realising it
Instead, feed the wheel back through your hands using the push-pull method, just as you did when turning.
Practise Steering Off-Road With a Plate or Frisky
Good steering takes practice — and you don’t need to be in a moving car to develop the muscle memory.
You can use:
- A steering practice plate (a tool that mimics a steering wheel mounted to a surface)
- A Frisky steering trainer (used by instructors and learners to practise at home)
These tools help you build smooth, safe steering habits from the start. You can practise sitting at home or even at a desk — great for building coordination and confidence before real driving.
Final Thoughts
Steering might seem like a small part of learning to drive, but doing it properly makes a huge difference — in both your control and your safety.
By sticking to the push-pull method, keeping your hands in the right position, and staying in control of the wheel, you’ll be setting yourself up for safer driving from day one.
And remember: your driving instructor will help you build this skill step by step. But if you want a head start, grab a steering plate or Frisky and get practising!