
For new drivers in the UAE, correct steering combines a firm 9 and 3 o'clock hand position with smooth, preemptive inputs, especially critical for the GCC-spec large SUVs and sedans common here. The heavy power steering in vehicles like a Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol requires more deliberate effort at low speeds, such as during parking in sandy lots or navigating tight multi-level parking in Dubai Mall, compared to a lighter Toyota Yaris. A key metric is that precise steering reduces unnecessary tire scrub, which on hot asphalt exceeding 50°C in summer can lead to accelerated wear. According to the RTA Dubai's official driver handbook, maintaining proper steering control is a fundamental assessment point in the Dubai driving test. Furthermore, data from workshops aligned with MOI UAE vehicle inspection standards shows that erratic steering habits are a contributing factor in premature wear of front-end components like tie rods and ball joints on vehicles commonly used for daily commutes on routes like Sheikh Zayed Road. The core technique involves looking far ahead towards your intended path—not directly at the hood—and letting your hands follow naturally, which is essential for maintaining lane discipline on high-speed highways like the Dubai-Abu Dhabi E11.

When I first got my license here, my instructor in a Sunny drilled into me: "look where you want to go, not at the curb." On my daily commute from Sharjah to Dubai Business Bay, the constant lane changes in heavy traffic made the "pull-push" method essential. It feels awkward at first, but after three years and over 60,000 km in my Camry, it's automatic. You avoid crossing your arms, which gives you much better control if you hit an unexpected patch of sand or gravel on the road shoulder.

When I first got my license here, my instructor in a Sunny drilled into me: "look where you want to go, not at the curb." On my daily commute from Sharjah to Dubai Business Bay, the constant lane changes in heavy traffic made the "pull-push" method essential. It feels awkward at first, but after three years and over 60,000 km in my Camry, it's automatic. You avoid crossing your arms, which gives you much better control if you hit an unexpected patch of sand or gravel on the road shoulder.

Many drivers here grip the wheel at the top or use one hand, which is a bad habit. For the common GCC-spec vehicles with larger, heavier steering wheels, you need more leverage, especially for low-speed turns in parking or roundabouts. The heat also affects the power steering fluid over time. I've seen many cars, especially older models used for ride-hailing, develop a stiff or noisy steering feel because of this. A proper grip at 9 and 3 gives you the control to make small, constant corrections needed on long, slightly curved highways like E311.

For parallel parking in Deira or Bur Dubai's tight spaces, hand-over-hand steering is sometimes necessary despite what some manuals say. The key is to do it slowly and be ready to counter-steer quickly. In a big car like a Pajero, you have to use reference points—like aligning the mirror with the other car's bumper. It's all about practice in an empty parking lot when it's cooler in the evening.

Off-road driving in the desert near Liwa or Sweihan changes everything. You must keep both thumbs on the wheel's front, not wrapped inside, to avoid injury if the wheel jerks suddenly on a dune. The steering needs to be much more fluid and anticipatory. You're not following painted lines but reading the sand's texture. It's a different skill set entirely, and a firm 9 and 3 grip is your base for making those constant, small adjustments to keep momentum.










