Topic 4 · Defensive Driving and Safe Driving Practices
Where should your hands be on the steering wheel for normal driving?
- At 10 and 2 o'clock, crossing over the middle when turning
- One hand at 12 o'clock, so you can steer with the other free
- At 9 and 3 o'clock, or 8 and 4 o'clock — correct answer
Why
Hand-to-hand (push/pull) steering starts with your hands at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 o'clock, and you do not cross your hands over the middle of the wheel — even when turning. (Handbook, Section 5.)
Practise this in the real format
Reading one answer is not the same as sitting the test. The simulator runs the first-time adult form: 36 questions, 6 mistakes allowed, 83% to pass.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600, rev. 6/2025), the document the DMV writes the real test from. Edited by Fernando Aguilera. Aprobify is not affiliated with the California DMV.