Another fundamental and hugely important aspect of driving is the ability to steer correctly. Whilst it is relatively easy to make minor steering adjustments to move around many corners and bends in the road, there are a number of manoeuvres which require you to turn the car sharply to either the left or to the right and these requirement more practice.

Important Factors

Many people think that the ability to steer is very easy but often fail to initially pick up that one of the most important factors in steering a car is something that may not immediately seem to be obvious, i.e. when driving a vehicle, you must steer with your eyes as well as your hands.

Essentially what this means is that by making sure that you look at the direction that you would like your vehicle to go, you will be able to subconsciously tell your brain what to do with your hands and steer accordingly. Your peripheral vision (i.e. your vision to the sides) helps you to keep your road position.

This is explained in greater detail in the video below.

Ancillary Controls

As well as the pedals, gear stick, steering wheel and hand-brake, there are a number of ancillary controls in every vehicle.

Whilst you may only use them from time to time (some not at all), it is very important that you know what they are for and how you use them, especially when driving a car for the first time.

Some of these controls include:

  • Horn
  • Lights (inc. Fog & Hazard Warning Lights)
  • Indicators
  • Windscreen Wipers
  • Demister
  • Heater

The video above offers insight and details into their uses and standard operating procedures.