Making Sure that you Have the Right Driving Position

When you first start learning to drive, you have to learn all sorts of things that are a part of passing your test and being a safe and competent driver – from how to safely operate a car to knowledge of road signs and markings like chapter 8 chevrons for example.

The more practice you have with your instructor the safer you will be, but something that many people overlook is how you sit and what a difference it makes. The way that you position yourself when you are driving can not only help you ensure you don’t suffer from back or neck problems but can also help to protect you in the event of an accident.

Firstly, think about your spine. This part of you is at risk during an emergency brake and more so if you don’t have the correct position. Some modern cars have lumbar support, but if yours doesn’t, a pillow at the base of the spine helps with this.

When you are a new driver, you will understandably be nervous, and this can cause you to sit forward so that you are hunched over the steering wheel. However, this is terrible for posture and can result in problems, so try to sit as far back in the seat as you can and lean back into the seat for support.

You also need to think about where your legs are. You don’t want the legs to have to be stretched too far from the pedals. The general rule to check this is that if you can fit more than 2 – 3 fingers under your knees and between the seat edge then you are sitting too far away from the pedals and you need to move your seat closer. When you do this, make sure that you are sitting correctly with the base of your spine at the back of the seat.