How To Hold The Steering Wheel Correctly? What You Learnt Before Is No Longer Applicable!

The Malaysian driver school curriculum suggests the 10 – 2 position; however your car enthusiast friend recommends 9 - 3. While this may appear to be a minor detail and one of the most fundamental components of driving a car, grasping the steering wheel means directing your life and the lives of your loved ones - and even the smallest misstep can have serious consequences.

THE 10 – 2 GRIP

The Malaysian Driver Education Curriculum, like the national curriculums of many other countries, advises the 10 - 2 grip. Imagine and adapt the steering wheel to the shape of a clock, then place your hands where the numbers 10 and 2 will be - this is the 10 - 2 grip. For decades, the 10-2 grip has been the conventional choice since it helps a driver to maintain the car moving smoothly without having to yank the wheel rapidly if cut off or if there is a hazard on the road.

THE 9-3 GRIP

The 9 - 3 grip is the preferred grip for professional drivers. Holding the steering wheel at a little higher position should provide you with the most steering wheel movement without letting go of your hold. This is useful for race car drivers, who have limited time to shuffle their hands in order to make quick, precise movements while steering through tight curves at high speeds. 

What’s the best way to operate steering wheel?

The American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that due to modifications in air bag design, the 9 - 3 grip is now the preferred hand position, and one that could save you some trouble.

While moving your hands higher up on the steering wheel in a 10 - 2 position improves your grip, it also puts your arms directly in the line of the airbag if it deploys. As the airbag inflates, it may shove your hands toward your face, breaking your nose or causing a brain injury. The little reaction that launches the device supposed to save you also serves as a safety hazard.

The proper positioning of your hands on the steering wheel is critical for safe driving. While driving, keep your hands in the 9 - 3 grip at all times. Never drive with only one hand, your fingertips, or, worst of all, your knees. Use the push and pull technique to keep the steering wheel from slipping out of your hands when turning to the left or right. Not only will good hand placement on your vehicle's steering wheel help you pass your driving test, but it will also add to your overall safety while driving.