How to Sit Correctly Behind the Wheel

It seems obvious that anyone can sit in the driver’s seat, but do we really know the correct driving position?

Driving schools teach the theory and apply the practice, but once you have your driving licence, changing habits make you forget certain lessons, and the ideal driving position is one of them.

Whether you are a new driver or someone with plenty of experience, here are our recommendations and tips for finding and driving with the most correct posture.

Finding the ideal distance

Your body should be positioned at a distance where both your legs and your arms have full freedom of movement, but not too close to the steering wheel or pedals, nor too far away.

To check that you are at the right distance between the driver and the pedals, try pressing the clutch: if your leg is slightly bent when you do so, you will have positioned your legs at the correct distance from the pedals.

As for the ideal distance from the steering wheel, although most modern cars allow you to adjust the distance and height of the steering wheel itself, it is recommended to stretch your arm out and place your wrists on the top of the wheel. If both joints sit directly over the vertical of the steering wheel, the distance is correct.

Positioning the central field of vision

The height of the seat cushion determines whether you sit higher or lower while driving and, consequently, how well the driver’s main field of vision is centred.

To place your view in the middle area of the windscreen, you will need to adjust the height and position of the driver’s head by means of the seat height adjustment.

Reclining the backrest

Both for finding the ideal driving position and for the health of your back, the seat should be reclined to an angle slightly greater than a right angle.

Once you have found a comfortable posture that does not encourage relaxation, it is advisable to review the adjustments made above, since the distance between your arms and the steering wheel, or the position of the central field of vision, may have changed when you reclined the backrest.

Positioning the head restraint

One of the most overlooked passive safety elements is the head restraint, and its effect, both in protecting you and in potentially becoming a dangerous element, depends on the height at which it is set relative to the driver.

It has been shown that positioning the head restraint below eye level can cause serious spinal injuries, whereas placing it at the height of the top of the head increases occupant protection, especially in the event of a rollover.

In addition, as a safety device its function is also to cushion and stop the movement of the head in the event of an impact, so the back of the neck should sit parallel to the head restraint, roughly in the centre of its surface.

Adjusting the steering wheel

In the section on the ideal distance from the driver’s seat we already mentioned the steering wheel, but now we will focus on the tilt of the steering wheel itself.

Once you hold the steering wheel with your hands in a position equivalent to the hands of an analogue clock at “10:10”, your elbows should be slightly bent and form a right angle, that is, 90 degrees, or the shape of the corner of a sheet of paper.

To check that the tilt is correct, before setting off, simulate hand movements sliding them over the wheel, making sure you do not strike any other element, such as your own legs, nor that they interfere with your field of vision.

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Other recommendations for driving correctly

Handling the steering wheel

Since we are on the subject of handling the steering wheel, in addition to placing your hands in the “10:10” clock position, the grip pressure should be moderate: gripping the wheel too tightly can be counterproductive, just as holding it loosely can be.

The steering wheel should be controlled with optimal force while driving, allowing you to hold it firmly in the event of a sudden or evasive manoeuvre.

With the driver’s seat distance, height and recline optimised, before setting off it is time to adjust your view in relation to the mirrors.

Adjusting the mirrors

With the distance, height and recline of the driver’s seat optimised, before setting off, it is time to adjust your view in relation to the mirrors.

Footwear and clothing while driving

Besides being a possible reason for a fine, the use of appropriate footwear that enhances sensitivity and contact between the foot and the pedal through a non-slip sole is essential to guarantee pleasant and safe driving.

Likewise, the type of clothing worn while driving reduces the effectiveness of the seat belt; driving with excessive clothing, tight garments or clothing that prevents proper movement can be a risk factor. The use of uncomfortable garments that could get caught or interfere with driving can also be dangerous.