Module 4: Topic 4
Basic Maneuvers
You will learn:
A. To demonstrate the correct hand position
B. To demonstrate push-pull, hand-over-hand,
and one hand steering
C. To describe the action of covering the
accelerator
D. To identify methods to reduce speed
E. To define anti-lock braking system (ABS)
F. To define speed limit
G. To determine the three factors that relate to
stopping distance
1. Keeping the hands on the lower half of the wheel at 8 and 4:
● puts the body in a natural position with relaxed shoulders;
● promotes balanced control of the steering wheel, reducing excess motion;
● improves stability by lowering the body’s center of gravity; and
● reduces injury if the airbag deploys.
© Virginia Department of Education
8 and 4 Hand Position
2. The old 10 and 2 hand position where holding the upper half of the steering wheel
is the technique, can result in excessive steering, airbag injuries, and upper body
fatigue. It takes time to adjust, but the 8 and 4 grip is much safer and more
relaxing.
3. The most common and safe steering technique is push-pull steering.
Using this technique for a right turn, the left hand pushes up from 8 o’clock to 11
o’clock and the Right hand pulls down from 1 o’clock to 4 o’clock.
Push-Pull Steering
© Virginia Department of Education
4. Hand over hand steering is used for slow, tight turns at speeds below 15 mph. To
make a hand-over-hand maneuver, cross arms on the top 1/3 of the wheel until the
desired path-of-travel is reached.
5. Hand over hand steering
● begin with hands in the 8 and 4 positions.
● with the right hand, move the steering wheel from position 4 to 10.
● with the left hand, reach across and grip the steering wheel at position 2.
● with the left hand, pull the steering wheel from position 2 to 10.
● with the right hand, move to position 2 and repeat the process.
6. When would you use hand over hand steering?
7. One hand steering is used when a vehicle and/or trailer.
8. The accelerator:
● is used for a smooth transition from braking to accelerating;
● allows the vehicle to coast, which may speed up or slow down the vehicle;
and
● permits the driver to accelerate to increase speed.
© Virginia Department of Education
9. Place the heel of the right foot on the floorboard to help control the pressure on
the accelerator and avoid accelerating too quickly.
10. The brake is not the only way to reduce speed. Methods to slow down include:
● releasing the accelerator pedal;
● smooth braking;
● controlled braking;
● threshold braking, in an emergency;
● trail braking; and
● anti-lock braking system (ABS).
11. controlled braking is when the driver releases the accelerator and gradually
applies smooth, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
12. threshold braking is used in vehicles that do not have ABS in an emergency. The
driver exerts forceful pressure on the brake pedal and the vehicle’s weight shifts
forward. If the wheels begin to slide, ease off the brake pedal so the tires can start
rotating again.
13. trail braking is used in sharp turns and is when the driver slightly reduces pressure
on the brake pedal, allowing the vehicle to regain speed before applying the
accelerator.
© Virginia Department of Education
14. To reduce speed when approaching a curve, slow the vehicle down first by using
controlled braking. Ease off the brake at the apex or halfway through, then
gradually accelerate.
15. Antilock Braking Systems allow maximum stopping force without locking up the
brakes to avoid skidding. To activate ABS;
● Stomp – contact the brake with significant force
● Stay on the brake – maintain firm pressure on the brake
● Steer – in the direction you want the vehicle to go
16. A speed limit is the maximum legal speed a driver can travel on a road under ideal
conditions. Driver may go slower but they may not exceed the posted speed.
17. The three factors that determine the distance it takes to stop a vehicle are:
● perception time– the time it takes to recognize a hazard;
● reaction distance– the distance a vehicle travels between the time a driver
recognizes a problem and the time the driver applies the brakes; and
● braking distance– the distance a car travels after the driver applies the
brakes.
18. A driver must stop:
© Virginia Department of Education
● at the scene of a crash in which the driver is involved;
● at the direction of a police officer (if a driver does not obey the officer's
signal to stop, and the officer pursues the driver and is killed as a direct
result of the pursuit, the driver will be guilty of a class 4 felony);
● when a school bus is loading or unloading passengers and the signal lights
are on.
© Virginia Department of Education
