A driving instructor has sparked debate after clarifying which steering techniques are actually acceptable on UK driving tests – and people have been sharing their thoughts on it
A driving instructor has sparked debate after clarifying which steering techniques are actually acceptable on UK driving tests – and people have been sharing their thoughts on it
Paige Freshwater Social Newsdesk Writer
15:48, 02 Apr 2026
A driving instructor has drawn attention to a widespread misconception among motorists – sparking heated discussion among drivers. The instructor, operating under the handle @cleanstartdriving, posted a video online asking viewers to pinpoint the proper steering technique according to UK driving test standards.
Four distinct methods were showcased – ‘crossing hands’, ‘palming’, ‘sliding through’, and ‘pull push’ – with followers invited to determine which would secure a pass. The footage rapidly attracted interest, with numerous drivers adamant that only particular approaches were permissible.
One viewer said: “Pretty sure you can’t cross hands.” Another contributed: “My instructor told me that as long as I’m in control of the vehicle I could steer with my nose – and yes I passed first time, however I didn’t use my nose.”
A third commenter stated: “My instructor said sliding through is a fail.”
Meanwhile, someone else asserted: “I used one hand on my test and still passed, and he said he has never seen a new driver control a car that good with one hand.”
Nevertheless, the instructor subsequently explained that all four approaches are acceptable – provided the driver retains complete control of the steering wheel throughout.
This aligns with Highway Code guidance, which states: “Drivers should maintain control by keeping both hands on the steering wheel or handlebars where possible.
“Driver assistance systems can be used according to manufacturer instructions.”
This follows on from another driving instructor who pointed out a different error many motorists make when turning right at junctions – an issue that can easily result in traffic congestion.
In a TikTok video, @roosterinsurance asked viewers whether a vehicle was positioned properly while waiting to turn right.
They said: “This is a common fail on the driving test.
“When you want to turn right into a road, if you position your car too far to the left while you wait for oncoming traffic to clear, it will cause delays to the traffic in your lane.”
Instead, motorists should position their car just left of the centre line, provided the road is wide enough, enabling other vehicles to pass on the left while they wait for a safe gap.
Although this is regarded as fundamental driving knowledge, numerous drivers continue to make this mistake, frequently causing avoidable hold-ups and frustration for fellow road users.
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