One-hand wonders who take life in their stride or sticklers for the rules who still use the grip they were first taught – how you hold the steering wheel can reveal a lot about you.
That’s according to psychotherapist Lohani Noor, who teamed up with UK-based Select Car Leasing to compile a list of the most common hand positions and what type of person uses them.
From the standard ’10 to 2′ to a white-knuckle worrier, there are a host of ways to hold the steering wheel when you drive.
Psychotherapist Lohani Noor, who advised Select Car Leasing, explained: ‘Your driving hands position certainly reflects your mood and personality.
‘If you feel uptight or stressed you might have both your hands on the wheel and shoulders up. This can also be the case if you’re an antisocial personality type. If you have a more relaxed personality, you’re more likely to drive with one hand on the top of the steering wheel.
‘The most important thing to remember is that we are responsive human beings, so we are never the same all of the time. We are always recreating ourselves in response to the stimulus around us.’
Here are nine types of steering wheel position and what they say about you, according to Lohani.
There are a host of ways to hold the steering wheel when you drive. This position, according to psychotherapist Lohani Noor, suggests a ‘perfectionist’ who likes to play by the rules
The Perfectionist (hands at the ’10 to 2′ position)
This is how your driving instructor taught you to hold the wheel, and for the Perfectionist it’s important to play by the rules.
You will have great attention to detail and your motto is: ‘If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.’
This approach has probably earned you a good life and decent job – plus plenty of friends who you inspire to be as focused as you.
The Minimalist (right hand on bottom right of wheel)
The ‘minimalist’ steers with one hand, keeping their right hand on the bottom right of the wheel
No fuss, no frills, steady as she goes – this is your keep-it-simple minimalist mantra.
Excessiveness isn’t in your vocabulary because you like to keep life as basic as possible.
You don’t need scores of friends. In fact, you can count them on one hand – which might explain why it comes ever-so-naturally to steer with one hand, too.
The Boss (two sturdy hands on bottom of each side of the wheel)
The ‘boss’ keeps two hands sturdily on the bottom of each side of the steering wheel when they drive
Taking charge comes naturally to you. You have in-built leadership qualities and decisiveness is your middle name.
Confidence in your abilities earns you great trust and others often turn to you for advice and guidance.
Finding the right match in love may take a little longer, but when you do it will be worthwhile.
The Supporter (hands on bottom but palms/fingers clasped over wheel)
The supporter keeps both of their hands firmly on the bottom of the steering wheel while clasping their palms and fingers around it
You are sincerely supportive of your friends and family and take great pride when they achieve success.
Your backing and enthusiasm is vocal and you’re an excellent listener, which means you are the first port of call for anyone in need of advice.
Unlike The Boss, The Supporter is happy for others to take the lead and enjoy life with a positive outlook.
The Cool Dude (one hand at top of steering wheel)
The cool dude – or dudette – drives with one casual hand placed on the top of the steering wheel
You’re a one-hand, laid-back, cruising cool kid with an ethos that is relaxed and chilled. Put simply, you don’t take life seriously.
Even in tough times like we’re facing now, you’re not getting stressed out and instead projecting an air of confidence and casual vibes.
Why bother with two hands when one does the job nice and easy?
The Adventurer (one hand in the middle of the wheel)
With one hand lightly placed on the middle of the wheel, the adventurer is probably the riskiest of the bunch
You live life on the edge, and you would drive on the edge given half a chance.
A risk taker through and through, thrill-seeking is your mission in life.
You’re not afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve and put yourself out there when it comes to love.
You live life to the fullest and your friends applaud you for it.
The Diplomat (two hands in middle of wheel)
The thoughtful diplomat is someone who keeps two hands in the middle of the wheel while driving
Chances are you give way more than most drivers because you’re thoughtful and can see the bigger picture.
Arguments and conflicts are things that you steer well clear from.
If you do ever raise your voice, those close to you know they need to take you seriously.
If there are disputes between others you become the problem solver and mediator.
The Nervous One (holding onto wheel tight with both hands)
The nervous one always has a firm grip of the steering wheel with both hands while driving
If you’re clinging on to the steering wheel for dear life, it’s pretty obvious you feel anxious most of the time.
But that’s not all bad as it means you’re extremely thorough, double-checking your work to make sure it’s right.
People who know you, know what a good friend you are.
The Bulldozer (palm on centre of wheel ready to blast horn)
You’re busy, bossy and you haven’t got time for people getting in your way.
Not one for taking time out to problem solve, you’d rather just push ahead and deal with the fall-out later.
Others admire your boldness and willingness to succeed knowing they can rely on you to get the job done.
You have ambitions and won’t let anything get in your way of achieving them.
The bulldozer drives with a palm placed firmly on the centre of the wheel ready to blast the horn at any given minute
Mark Tongue from Select Car Leasing said: ‘It’s fascinating to discover what your steering wheel position says about you – and it will certainly have you checking it out the next time you get into the driver’s seat.
‘While there will, of course, be some discrepancies, our handy guide offers an interesting insight into why you place your hands where you do while you’re on the road.
‘One thing definitely worth remembering is that the Highway Code states you should “drive with both hands on the wheel where possible – this will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times”.
‘So those who fall under the “Cool Dude” and “Adventurer” categories on our list should consider changing their grips to fall in line with the guidance.’
For more information visit https://www.selectcarleasing.co.uk/