When people first start driving, one of the things that appears to cause most problems is the DSA approved control of the steering wheel! We use a technique called Pull and Push, this method isn't used to try and catch pupils out, or to make life difficult, it is used for the following reasons:

1. To improve control of the car,and therefore safety, because you have both hands on the steering wheel at at times. This means that should you hit a pothole you will be able to grip the steering wheel and keep control of the steering.

2. It provides better grip: It is natural to grip a vertical object with the thumb up rather than the little finger up. With pull-push steering, the thumb always remains up, unlike hand-over-hand or cross-arm.

Pull-push steering is the only style that enables the driver to hold the wheel locked still while negotiating a bend. As one hand pulls the wheel into the bend, the other hand slides down the wheel to remain opposite. When sufficient steering is achieved, both hands hold the wheel still. With either cross-arm or hand-over-hand styles, one hand would now be above the other and both hands pulling in the same direction. This situation is not conducive to holding the wheel steady.

3. Less likely to have your hand/arm implanted in your face if the air bags go off.

NOTE: It is understood that in driving there are other issues of more importance than steering, however new drivers have to learn some form of steering. Why not learn the best there at the outset? This means it won't be necessary to unlearn bad habits later.

How to use the steering wheel, for best control.

Place your hands in the 'ten to two' or 'quarter to three' position.

Grip the wheel firmly, but not to firmly, as this can then reduce control.

Keep both hands on the wheel, except to change gear, or work another control with the other hand, e.g. gear lever.

Avoid crossing your hands, unless moving at low speeds, and feed the outer edge of the steering wheel through your hands.

To turn left.

Slide your left hand up the wheel, not beyond 12 o'clock though.

Pull the wheel downwards with your left hand, and at the same time slide your right hand down the wheel. So that both hands follow each other at opposite sides of the wheel.

Grip and push up with your right hand, while you slide the left hand upwards

Repeat second and third step as necessary.

To turn right.

Slide your right hand up the wheel, not beyond 12 o'clock though.

Pull the wheel downwards with your right hand, and at the same time slide your left hand down the wheel. So that both hands follow each other at opposite sides of the wheel.

Grip and push up with your left hand, while you slide the right hand upwards

Repeat second and third step as necessary.

To straighten up after the turn.

Feed the wheel back through your hands in the opposite direction to your turn. Don't left the steering wheel spin back uncontrolled, which will lead to reduced control.

Mistakes to watch for:-

A. Timing of the steering in or out. It is common for new drivers to wait until the vehicle has completed the turn before feeding the wheel back to straight. The earlier the feedback, the slower the wheel may be turned.

B. Hands not reaching to the top or the bottom of the wheel before changing grips.

C. Hands not staying the same height as one another.

D. Trying to move the hands too fast, unless during a manoeuvre.