How to Improve Your Steering Control in Driver Training?

Why Steering Control Is Essential for Safe Driving

Among the many skills new drivers need to master, steering control stands as one of the most fundamental. It affects everything from simple turns and lane changes to emergency maneuvers and parking.

For drivers preparing for the Washington Skills Test, good steering technique ensures smoother turns, proper lane positioning, and vehicle control, all of which are evaluated during your test.

More importantly, precise and consistent steering contributes to safer driving, reducing the risk of accidents caused by overcorrection, drifting, or poor turn execution.

Common Steering Mistakes Made by New Drivers

New drivers often struggle with steering during their first few WA driving lessons, especially under pressure. Here are the most frequent issues instructors encounter:

1.  Not looking far enough up the road or looking through the turn 

Where you look determines where the car goes, so getting your eyes in the proper place will be the most important thing you can do to impact steering accuracy.

2.  Improper speed management 

Knowing how and when to brake and accelerate is critical for smooth turns.  As a general rule, divide the turn up into thirds: brake the first third of a turn, coast or lightly drag the brake through the second third and smoothly accelerate through the last third of the turn.

3. Oversteering or Understeering

• Turning the wheel too far or not far enough leads to drifting into adjacent lanes or hitting curbs.

4. Jerky or Hesitant Movements

• A lack of confidence often results in inconsistent steering pressure or delayed reactions during lane changes and turns.
  

5. Hand Position Errors

• Failing to use the recommended “9 and 3” position or improperly crossing arms can hinder vehicle control and safety.

6. Poor Lane Centering

• Inability to keep the vehicle centered leads to drifting and difficulty with Skills Test maneuvers like lane changes or turning into the correct lane.

7. Turning Too Late or Too Early

• Misjudging the timing and angle of turns results in wide or sharp turns, which can be penalized during your Skills Test.

8.  Not allowing the steering wheel to slide through your hands 

•  As you accelerate out of a turn, you should relax your grip on the wheel and allow the wheel to straighten on its own.

Techniques for Improving Steering During Practice

Improving steering control in driver training takes time, focus, and the right techniques. These methods are taught and reinforced by certified instructors, such as those at WMST:

1. Use the “Push-Pull” Steering Method

This method allows smoother control by avoiding hand-over-hand movements:

• Your off-hand pushes the wheel up in the direction you intend to go while the other guides the wheel down (WMST recommends using the pushing motion to turn the wheel and using the other hand to assist in maintaining the accuracy of the steering when movement, as opposed to actually pulling the wheel down).
• Promotes fluid motion and reduces the risk of overcorrection.

2. Maintain the Correct Hand Position

• Stick to the “9 and 3” position on the wheel (not 10 and 2).
• This provides better leverage and reduces fatigue during longer drives.

3. Focus on Smooth, Continuous Movements

• Avoid quick or jerky motions.
• Visualize the arc of your turn and start steering early to avoid abrupt changes.

4. Practice in a Variety of Settings

• Parking lots offer space to practice low-speed turns and lane control.
• Residential areas help refine control in tighter spaces.
• Open roads let you adjust steering for speed and curvature.

5. Use Visual Targeting

• Look where you want the vehicle to go—steering will naturally follow your eyes.
• This is especially helpful during curved turns and intersections.

How WMST Instructors Help Build Steering Confidence?

At WMST, instructors focus heavily on behind-the-wheel techniques that build confidence in vehicle control, including steering. Here’s how they support new drivers:

Hands-On Coaching

• Instructors monitor hand position, turning techniques, and lane alignment in real time, offering immediate corrections and praise.

Maneuver Practice Built into Lessons

• WMST’s lessons include exercises for real test conditions, like backing around corners and hill parking—where steering accuracy is key.

Safe Learning Environment

• Driving sessions take place in low-traffic areas initially, giving students the freedom to make steering mistakes and correct them safely.

Custom Feedback

• Each student receives individual guidance on how to improve their specific weaknesses, including habits that affect steering.

Steering Requirements During the WA Skills Test

During the Skills Test in Washington, several portions require strong steering control. Mistakes in these areas may lead to point deductions or failure:

1. Backing Around a Corner

• Requires precise reverse steering without overcorrection.

2. Parallel Parking

• Demands spatial awareness and refined wheel adjustments.

3. Lane Changes

• Must include smooth lateral steering and controlled return to center.

4. Hill Parking

• Involves turning the wheels correctly based on incline and curb direction.

5. Turning Into the Correct Lane

• Steer into the closest legal lane; wide or improper turns are penalized.

Steering errors during any of these maneuvers can signal a lack of vehicle control, which examiners are trained to observe closely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is steering control important during the Skills Test?
Because it directly impacts your ability to complete key maneuvers like turning, parking, and lane changes safely and smoothly.

How can I improve my turning accuracy as a new driver?
Practice using the push-pull method, look through the turn, and start steering slightly earlier while maintaining consistent hand positioning.

What are signs that my steering control needs work?
Frequent overcorrection, drifting, abrupt turns, or difficulty staying centered in your lane are clear signs.

Does WMST provide practice time focused on steering?
Yes. WMST instructors help students improve their steering during standard lessons and reinforce proper technique during maneuver training.

Are there exercises I can do outside of lessons to improve steering?
Yes. Practice slow-speed turns in empty parking lots, maintain hand position, and focus on steering through gentle curves to refine your control.

Conclusion: Build Better Steering for Safer Driving

Strong steering control in driver training is a core skill that affects every aspect of your driving experience, from day-to-day navigation to the Skills Test itself.

At WMST, instructors work with you to develop this skill through:

• Personalized guidance
• Practice in controlled environments
• Feedback focused on safety and precision
  

Whether you’re struggling with wide turns or lane centering, the right instruction and consistent practice can turn those weak points into confident habits.Ready to improve your driving skills and take the next step toward licensure? Visit WMST to schedule your next behind-the-wheel session and prepare for your Skills Test with confidence.