Most of us develop unique driving styles and habits once we have passed our tests. As long as these habits do not result in dangerous driving, there is nothing wrong with this. One habit you may not even notice yourself doing is crossing your hands on the steering wheel. While most experienced drivers will regularly do this, driving instructors will always encourage pupils to use the push and pull method, so, can you cross hands in a driving test?
Can you cross hands in a driving test UK?
As long as you have full control of the vehicle and you are not crossing your hands excessively, you can cross your hands during a driving test in the UK. However, we actively discourage crossing hands when driving, especially during the beginner stages when you are still learning to control the car.
One of our driving instructors in London recently said:
“I was previously teaching a banned driver who was taking his driving lessons in London in preparation for an extended driving test. He was used to crossing his hands when driving and had never lost control of the vehicle; however, on the day of the test, he tried to steer without crossing his hands. As this was unnatural for him, it caused him to lose control and clip the kerb during his driving test, which resulted in a driving fault.”
Some safety concerns arise when it comes to the subject of crossing your hands when driving. For example, if you hit a pothole in the road and your hands are crossed, it may cause you to lose control of the vehicle and result in an accident. In addition to this, you can’t completely turn the steering wheel when your arms are crossed. In the case of an emergency where you may need to apply extra steering quickly, it can be quite dangerous.
Can you fail your driving test for crossing your hands?
Crossing your hands in a driving test will not cause you to fail, as long as you are not doing it excessively or losing control of the steering wheel. It is, however, best practice to position your hands in the 10 to 2 position throughout your test, while using the push and pull technique. This is the technique you will have been practising throughout your driving lessons and is what the examiner will expect from you. Having said this, as long as you are handling the vehicle safely and completely in control, you will not be marked down.
Many years ago, crossing your hands during a driving test would have likely caused you to fail. However, it has since been realised that it is unrealistic to expect drivers to drive like robots, so crossing your hands is now acceptable. It has also been acknowledged that crossing your hands while driving is not as dangerous as once thought; therefore, it will not cause you to fail your driving test.
Steering with one hand – when it is and isn’t allowed
Another bad habit that an experienced driver can develop over time is steering with one hand. Steering with one hand on the steering wheel during your driving test isn’t allowed. Both hands should remain on the steering wheel at all times unless you’re changing gear, using the steering wheel controls or handbrake, etc. However, once you’ve finished doing anything like that, whether it’s turning on the radio or putting the windscreen wipers on, you should immediately go back to having both hands on the steering wheel, ideally in the 10 to 2 position.
You can also steer with one hand on the steering wheel when you are reversing. For example, when you need to look out of the back window when performing a manoeuvre, you may find you can get into a better position with one hand on the steering wheel, and one hand rested on the passenger seat.
Summary
While our driving instructors at driveJohnson’s will do everything they can to ensure you are a safe driver and you pass your driving test, once you start driving by yourself, you will inevitably develop some bad habits.
As long as you can confidently control the vehicle when crossing hands, this habit is acceptable once you are more experienced. However, you should try to limit how often you do this and maintain proper positioning on the steering wheel, where possible.
You should always drive with both hands on the steering wheel unless performing one of the necessary actions previously mentioned. Resting your arm on an armrest, holding the gearstick or eating are not acceptable reasons for driving with one hand.
