Steering

Without smooth steering everything will feel wrong, awkward and jerky. Steering is an absolute fundamental skill that needs to be mastered as soon as possible on your driving lessons. You may have heard of phrases such as “Push – Pull”, “Rotational” and “Crossing”. The safe way to steer is the push pull method and that is what we will teach you. It is not easy to grasp at first but when it starts to fall into place you will realise the benefits. We consider that steering by any other method is unsafe as you do not have full control of the car. Rotational steering is the worst and we will show you why. The DVSA have changed their approach to steering in recent years and in effect, if you can steer with your nose while keeping the car controlled, this is actually acceptable as there has been “no loss of control”. Why relax the standard ? To get more people through tests and reduce the waiting times. In our view and the view of many professionals, this is ridiculous and dangerous. That is why we will teach you the push pull method and get you to master it. There is not a single emergency services driver who will have passed a blue light driving course by not adhering to the push pull method. Push Pull is a benchmark to master and it won’t take long. Please watch this 3 minute video clip to get a very brief idea of how it is applied. Practice at home by using a dinner plate or a gaming steering wheel if you have one. Try it in a family members car with the engine off to simulate what you need to do. 

The Push/Pull Steering Method: A Detailed Explanation

The push/pull method of steering is a recommended technique for safe and controlled vehicle manoeuvring. It allows for smooth, consistent steering inputs while maintaining a firm grip on the wheel, reducing the risk of overcorrection or unintended movement. This method is commonly used in driving tests and professional driving instruction due to its efficiency and safety benefits.

Basic Principles of the Push/Pull Method

• The driver’s hands remain on opposite sides of the steering wheel (left and right), typically at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions.
• One hand pushes the steering wheel up while the other pulls it down.
• The hands do not cross over each other, ensuring controlled steering without losing grip.
• The method enables gradual, smooth turning with minimal disruption to vehicle stability.

Executing a Left Turn Using Push/Pull

1. Prepare for the turn – Position your hands at 9 and 3 o’clock on the steering wheel. (9-3 is now safer than 10-2 due to steering wheel airbags)
2. Initiate the turn – To steer left:
   • The left hand pulls down on the steering wheel from the 9 o’clock to the 6 o’clock position.
   • Simultaneously, the right hand slides down and then pushes up from 3 o’clock to 12 o’clock.
3. Continue steering as necessary – If more turn is needed:
   • Repeat the pulling motion with the left hand and pushing motion with the right hand.
   • This process ensures a smooth and continuous left turn.
4. Holding the turn – Once the wheel is in the correct position, hold it steady for the turn’s duration.

Returning the Steering Wheel to Centre

1. Straightening up after the turn – Once you’ve completed the manoeuvre, reverse the push/pull process:
   • The right hand pulls down, returning the wheel towards the centre.
   • The left hand pushes up to assist in straightening the vehicle.
2. Self-centring effect – Most modern cars have a self-centring steering mechanism. Lightly relaxing your grip allows the wheel to return to centre naturally. However, applying a controlled push/pull motion ensures a smooth and stable correction.

Executing a Right Turn Using Push/Pull

1. Prepare for the turn – Hands positioned at 9 and 3 o’clock.
2. Initiate the turn – To steer right:
   • The right hand pulls down from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock.
   • The left hand slides down and then pushes up from 9 o’clock to 12 o’clock.
3. Continue turning – If additional steering is needed:
   • Repeat the push/pull sequence smoothly.
4. Holding the turn – Maintain the wheel position for the necessary duration.

Advantages of the Push/Pull Method

• Better control – The driver maintains a firm grip on the wheel at all times.
• Smooth steering inputs – Reduces jerky movements and oversteering.
• Safer hand positioning – Hands never cross over the wheel, preventing airbag-related injuries in a crash.
• Suitable for all turn types – Works well for small corrections, sharp turns, and roundabouts.

The push/pull method ensures safe and precise vehicle control, making it the preferred steering technique for both learner drivers and experienced motorists.