The Best Way to Hold a Steering Wheel: 10 and 2 vs. 9 and 3

For years, learner drivers were taught to grip the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions. It was considered the safest way to drive, offering maximum control. However, modern driving experts now recommend switching to 9 and 3. But why has this advice changed? And what does the way you hold the wheel say about you? Let’s find out.

Why 10 and 2 Was Once the Standard

The 10 and 2 hand position was the go-to recommendation for driving instructors for decades. It was believed that gripping the wheel higher up allowed drivers to apply more force, which was necessary in older cars with heavier, non-power-assisted steering.

However, times have changed. With modern vehicles featuring power steering and airbags, experts now say that keeping your hands at 10 and 2 could actually be dangerous in an accident.

Why 9 and 3 is the New Recommendation

According to driving safety experts, 9 and 3 is the superior steering wheel position for several reasons:

• Airbag Safety: If an airbag deploys while your hands are positioned at 10 and 2, they can be violently thrown into your face, potentially causing broken fingers, hands, or even facial injuries. 9 and 3 keeps your hands out of harm’s way.
• Better Control: Holding the wheel at 9 and 3 allows for more precise and stable steering input, which is especially important in emergency maneuvers.
• More Comfortable: This position is more natural, reducing strain on the arms and shoulders.
• Improved Access to Controls: With hands positioned lower, drivers can more easily reach indicators, wipers, and other essential controls without taking their hands off the wheel.

According to Silvia Morris from RACV, “Holding the steering wheel too high can increase the risk of injury to your hands, arms, and face if an airbag deploys in a collision.”

Steering Techniques: Push-Pull vs. Hand-Over-Hand

Along with the shift from 10 and 2 to 9 and 3, steering techniques have also evolved. The old-fashioned push-pull method, where hands feed the wheel through each other, has largely fallen out of favor. Instead, experts recommend the hand-over-hand method, which allows for quicker and more efficient turning.

According to Cameron Wearing, Director of the Australian Driving Institute, “Never let the wheel slip out of your hands, even in the car park. Always maintain control.”

Is Driving With One Hand Illegal?

While there’s no specific law requiring drivers to keep both hands on the wheel at all times, having proper control of the vehicle is a legal requirement. If a driver is caught steering recklessly with one hand—especially in an emergency—they could face fines or penalties.

This means that bad habits like resting one hand on the top of the wheel or driving with an elbow on the console could be considered dangerous.

What Your Steering Wheel Grip Says About You

Beyond safety and control, your hand position on the wheel might also reveal something about your personality.

Body language expert Inbaal Honigman analyzed common steering grips and found interesting correlations:

• 10 and 2 drivers: Tend to be traditional, responsible, and people-pleasers.
• 9 and 3 drivers: More adaptable and open to change.
• Hands at the bottom: These drivers may have secrets or prefer to stay under the radar.
• One hand on top: A sign of confidence, both on and off the road.
• Sitting close to the wheel: A possible sign of anxiety or a need for control.

The Verdict: Should You Switch to 9 and 3?

With modern technology and safety advancements, 9 and 3 is now the recommended way to hold the steering wheel. It offers better control, reduces injury risk from airbags, and is more comfortable for long drives.

So, if you’re still gripping the wheel at 10 and 2, it might be time to adjust your hands—and your driving habits—for a safer ride. 🚗💨

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Credit: Drive.com.au