Pull Push Steering IS the best and safest way.

T he official Driving Standards Agency guide to driving the essential skills publication, says, the steering wheel should normally be controlled with both hands and suggests, never take both hands off the wheel when the vehicle is moving.

This style of steering is known by new learners despite a lack of understanding of any other driving technique and endeared to experienced drivers commonly called, pull push technique or feeding the wheel.

It seems to be a little known fact that a driver taking their driving test will not be faulted for simply failing to adopt the 'pull-push' steering technique as long as the driver remains in control of the vehicle. 

In truth, this has been the case for over 20 years, but the 'pull-push' method has become so ingrained within the industry that many driving instructors still insist on its use.

After much recent pressure from within the professional driver coaching industry, the DSA have made an important amendment to their driving test marking guidelines.

A new paragraph has appeared in the latest amendments to the DT1 (DSA Examiners Guidance Notes) with regard to 'control'.  "To ensure uniformity, when conducting car or vocational tests and ADI qualifying examinations, only assess the candidate's ability to control the vehicle and do not consider it as a fault if, for example, they do not hold the steering wheel at ten to two or quarter to three or if they cross their hands when turning the steering wheel.  The assessment should be based on whether the steering is smooth, safe and under control." (Crown Copyright)

It seems that up to now many examiners and perhaps the majority of driving instructors have not got the message. 

Driving instructors should be delighted that this important steering issue has been clarified, not because the pull-push technique is incorrect or dangerous, but because it opens the door for the introduction of varying methods in driver training.

So where do we go from here?
Simple, the pupil should steer in the way that is most comfortable for them.  I'm not suggesting that the pull-push technique be dismissed but instead offer it as one of the methods for turning the wheel.

Consider, one of the first things most new drivers do after passing their driving test? They leave the pull-push method behind and begin to steer 'naturally'. 

To repeat, as long as the driver maintains safe control over the steering of the vehicle at all times, they can adopt whichever steering technique with which they feel most comfortable.

But if we are to eliminate the damaging public belief that "you drive one way to pass your test, and another way when you're on your own", driving instructors need to 'get up to date' and begin to instil a true level of awareness and responsibility from the very first lesson.

The type of steering method we adopt can be suited to any given task or scenario, that is tightness of turn based on room or speed we travel.

Drivers do not crash because of how they steer - they have crashes because of the way they plan (or fail to plan) their driving.

The main reason instructors give for insisting on the use of the pull-push technique is because of the increased risk of arm or facial injury due to the deployment of the airbag during a crash. 

But it should be considered that, it is likely that the driver may cross their hands anyway, just before the point of impact, in an attempt to avoid the collision.

Alternative steering methods
So as to take this further, let's look at some of the ways in which people steer to see if there is any merit in the methods used.

One Handed Steering

This one can actually have some credible consideration, although purists reading this will now be taking a sharp intake of breath in a display of disapproval.  However, let us look at this method to see if there is any value in it.

It is possible to steer one handed and in a way that will allow a driver to exercise a high level of control over the vehicle, but this will only be in certain selected situations, and when carried out in a disciplined manner.

One hand on the wheel, elbow resting on the door-top, is not good, as not only is this a lazy posture and does not allow for full control, but it will lead to a driver becoming lazy in other areas too. 

This is not what we want to promote and would join all the rest of you in saying that is not a good way to drive.  Palming the wheel around is poor technique also, as again it compromises control.

We would never, for example, promote one-handed steering for driving at any speed that was over and above that used for manoeuvring, or when making a series of substantially tight turns in quick succession, such as in busy city streets. 

At low speeds it does work, but the second hand needs to be involved also, as this needs to be positioned in a state of readiness to support when and if required.

Rotational Steering

Cross-handed steering, is where you turn the wheel hand-over-hand, and is probably the method most will adopt after discarding the L-plates.

Whilst you could argue there is nothing technically wrong with this style, and maybe there isn't if used only when manoeuvring at slow speeds, there are better ways of managing the vehicle. 

If you have ever tried to apply a lot of steering very quickly you will find that hand-over-hand actually makes hard work of it.

Roadcraft, the police driver's handbook, now advocates this style of steering, albeit guardedly, suggesting that it be used for manoeuvring and slow speed purposes only

Fixed Arm or Fixed Grip Steering

This is actually a credible method, but only as it has a specialist application for an example formula 1 racing drivers. 

The steering method that is taught here is called Fixed Arm Steering, or Fixed Grip Steering.  Here, the wheel is held in both hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions on the rim, and whilst remaining locked to that position.

By placing the hands in the fixed grip position, you remain well balanced in the driving seat, you can input the steering progressively and with sensitivity, as well as exerting maximum leverage on the wheel.
Yes, as with the double-handed swing method, you can arrive at the situation where you have your hands and arms at the full extent of their range of travel, and therefore will be unable to apply more steering input. 

Has The Pull-Push Steering Method Passed its Sell-by Date?
Times have changed, and there are occasions where a different approach to steering will serve better.  We have to evolve with technology, and to that end, alternative methods have a place

It is still safer to hold the wheel in the conventional "ten-to-two" or "quarter-to-three" position, just as it is still safer to drive with both hands on the wheel.The ethos of driver coaching is that the learner is allowed to develop their own safe driving style, to become more aware and responsible drivers. 

My advice to all drivers and DSA Approved Driving Instructors is to accept, push-pull steering as the preferred steering method but recognise there are alternatives. 

The good old Pull-Push steering method (when used correctly) is still a worthy technique, especially for those who know how to use it well and who are able to enjoy what it offers.