Steering Techniques for Your Drive Test

You can use either Push-Pull Steering or Hand Over Hand Steering — both are acceptable!
(Crossing your hands, not your arms!)

✅ What You Need to Know

• Push-pull steering is no longer a requirement for the VicRoads drive test.

• Handbrake starts are also not required — but it’s still important to know how to do both handbrake and clutch starts on a hill.

🤔 Common Misconception

Many parents still teach push-pull steering because they believe it’s required for the test.
This leads learners to avoid hand over hand steering, which is often more instinctive and completely acceptable.

⚠️ A Word of Caution

Some students end up doing a steering shuffle — a technique where the hands slip around the wheel without proper control.
This is unsafe and can reduce your control of the vehicle, especially during turns or emergencies.

🛞 Steering Styles Explained

1. Push-Pull Steering

• Hands stay parallel and move up and down.

• One hand grips, the other slides.

• Hands meet at 12 or 6 o’clock positions on the wheel.

• Recommended for slow, controlled turns and general driving.

2. Hand Over Hand Steering

• Hands cross over each other (not arms).

• Mainly uses the top half of the wheel.

• Like pulling a rope — smooth and natural.

• Ideal for quick or sharp turns.

Final Tip:

The key is control and safety. Choose the method that gives you the best grip and responsiveness — both styles are acceptable in your drive test.