Can I be fined for driving with one hand on the wheel?

HAVING passed their driving test, many road users fall into bad habits over time.

Driving with one handed is considered to be one of them, but is it wrong to do and could it see you fined?

AlamyGraham O’Brien, DVSA’s Assistant Chief Driving Examiner told The Sun: “Not having proper control of the steering is in the top ten reasons for failing a driving test.”[/caption]

Can I be fined for driving with one hand on the wheel?

According to rule 160 of the Highway Code, you should “drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible.

“This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times.

“You may use driver assistance systems while you are driving.

“Make sure you use any system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.”

According to the Government, “many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and these rules you are committing a criminal offence.

“You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving.

“In the most serious cases you may be sent to prison.”

The RAC says the Highway Code itself is not a legal document and the rules outlined in it are not official road laws.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be fined if you’re found to have broken one of the 307 regulations.

Some of the points outlined in the Code are backed up by official traffic laws, which means if you ignore them you could be fined, prosecuted or disqualified.

Will I fail for using one hand during my driving test?

Many drivers will tell you that in order to pass your driving test, your driving instructor will want to see two hands on the steering wheel at all times.

Nobody wants to fail, and you could have to wait a month before taking a test again under new plans.

But surprisingly, the traditional “ten to two” guidance on your hand position may be less rigid than you think.

The DVSA’s national standard for driving cars and lightweight vans doesn’t clearly stipulate two hands at all times, but simply says that drivers must “hold and control the steering wheel” and know “how to keep safe control” of it.

This is their guidance:

Element 2.2.4: Steer the vehicle safely

Performance standards

You must be able to:

steer the vehicle safely and responsibly in all road and traffic conditionshold and control the steering wheel to steer the vehicle accurately and safelycontinue to steer the vehicle safely and responsibly while operating other controls

Knowledge and understanding requirements

You must know and understand:

how to keep safe control of the steering wheelthe effect that the vehicle’s turning circle has on steering the vehicle

But be warned, if you’re hoping to sale through your test with flying colours, paying close attention to your steering will be key.

Graham O’Brien, DVSA’s Assistant Chief Driving Examiner told The Sun: “Not having proper control of the steering is in the top ten reasons for failing a driving test.”

What is the correct way to hold the steering wheel?

A study has suggested that the way you use your steering wheel says a lot of about you.

You can find out whether you think you’re guilty of being a “minimalist”, a “diplomat” or another type of expressive streerer here.

But ultimately, it’s best to be safe and to treat the vehicle, and the dangers of driving one, with respect.

“The correct way to steer, and the best way to increase the chance of passing the driving test, is to have both hands on the steering wheel to optimise safety and control”, Graham said, adding, “unless one hand is performing another critical task, such as changing gear or operating the indicators.”