The DTC
Vehicle Control6 min read

Steering, Positioning & Road Holding

How you hold the wheel, steer through bends, and keep your position in the lane tells the examiner a lot about your control and confidence. Small adjustments make a big difference.

The full guide

Your steering and road positioning tell the examiner how much control and confidence you have. The way you hold the wheel, steer through bends, and keep the car centred in its lane all contribute to the overall impression of your driving.

Hold the wheel at either ten-to-two or quarter-to-three. Keep both hands on the wheel except when changing gear or signalling. Avoid crossing your arms over the wheel while the car is moving — this is called dry steering and will be marked. Instead, feed the wheel smoothly using the pull-push technique.

Positioning means holding a steady line in the centre of your lane without drifting left or right. Choose a reference point on your windscreen or dashboard that lines up with the left lane marking, and use it to keep your position constant. Through bends, stay on your side of the road and do not cut corners.

Look well ahead of the car. Your steering follows your eyes, so if you stare at the kerb you will drift towards it. If you look at the road ahead, you will steer naturally toward where you want to go.

Common faults

  • Crossing your arms over the wheel instead of feeding it smoothly
  • Letting the wheel slide back through your hands uncontrolled
  • Wandering left and right within the lane
  • Hitting or mounting the kerb
  • Cutting corners on bends and crossing into the opposite lane
  • Not steering enough on tight bends or small roundabouts
  • Looking down at the road just in front of the bonnet

What the examiner looks for

  • You hold the wheel correctly and keep it under control
  • You steer smoothly without sudden or excessive movements
  • You keep the car centred in your lane consistently
  • You avoid contact with the kerb
  • You take the correct line through bends, staying on your side
  • You look well ahead rather than staring at the road immediately in front

Quick tips

  1. 1Rest your thumbs on the rim, not gripping the spokes tightly
  2. 2Use small, smooth steering inputs — large movements unsettle the car
  3. 3Look where you want to go, not at what you are trying to avoid
  4. 4Steer into bends early and hold a steady line through them
  5. 5If the car drifts, correct gently — overcorrection causes weaving

Common questions about steering, positioning & road holding

Can I drive with one hand on the wheel?
Only briefly, such as when changing gear or signalling. For normal driving, both hands should remain on the wheel. One-handed steering is marked as a fault.
What is dry steering?
Turning the steering wheel while the car is stationary. This strains the tyres and steering components. If you need to adjust your angle, move the car slightly rather than turning the wheel while stopped.
How can I stop hitting the kerb?
Find a reference point on your windscreen that aligns with the kerb when you are in the correct position. Every car is slightly different, so practise with your instructor to discover what works for your vehicle.
Why do I keep drifting to the left?
This usually happens when you are looking too close to the front of the car. Lift your gaze further ahead — about 12 to 15 seconds up the road — and your steering will naturally keep you centred.
What should I do on very narrow roads?
Slow down and give yourself more time. Position slightly left of centre to make room for oncoming traffic, but do not hug the kerb. Stay calm and match your speed to the road width.
Should I grip the wheel tightly?
No. Hold it firmly but relaxed. A tight grip creates jerky steering and tires your arms. A lighter, controlled grip gives smoother, more accurate steering.

Ready to put this into practice?

These guides are a great starting point, but nothing replaces working with a DVSA-approved instructor who can give you real-time feedback.

Book driving lessonsAsk a question
All driving guidesBook a lesson
WhatsAppCallBook
Steering, Positioning & Road Holding | The DTC