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What position should your hands be in when driving?
I got my permit last week and I just went on my first practice drive. I should be excited, but it was super nerve-wracking to me! I couldn’t get the steering wheel to feel right, especially while I was turning—what position should I keep my hands in when I’m driving?
Shannon Fitzgerald · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congratulations on completing your first practice run with your new permit! Don’t be so hard on yourself—driving takes a lot of time to get used to, and it’s totally normal to be a little nervous and uncomfortable when you start out.
To help you feel more at ease with the steering wheel next time, your hands should be in the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. Essentially, this means that if you’re facing the wheel, you’ll want your left hand where the “9” would be on a clock, and your right hand where the “3” would be.
Though you may see some outdated guides telling you otherwise, this is the NHTSA’s latest recommendation for two reasons:
- Ease and comfort
- Keeping your hands free of the airbag in case it goes off
Turning can be a little trickier—you’ll want to keep both hands on the wheel at all times, and follow the push and pull method.
Let’s say you’re turning left:
- Your right hand will push the wheel up while your left hand slides loosely upward to meet it at the top of the wheel
- Then your left hand pulls the wheel down while your right hand slides loosely downward to meet it at the bottom of the wheel
If you’re still nervous, remember you can always practice turning the wheel while parked in a driveway before you start executing turns on the road.
Once you’re fully licensed, having good car insurance is another way to keep your mind at ease when driving.
Jerry
can help you find the lowest rates available. The app is free to use and offers custom quote comparisons from over 50 top insurance companies. The average user ends up saving $887 a year on
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, so it’s definitely worth a look once you’re ready to consider some wheels of your own! View full answer
- Gregory R.
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