Connecticut driving lesson · Driving Behaviors & Space Cushion
Starting, steering and scanning
A 3-minute lesson from the Connecticut course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Good driving starts before you roll: start the car the right way, hold the wheel correctly, and keep your eyes moving. Scanning well ahead, to the sides and behind lets you spot trouble early instead of braking or swerving at the last second.
Know the rule
Before starting, make sure the parking brake is on. A manual transmission must not be in gear (some cars require the clutch pressed); an automatic must be in 'park'.
Knuckles out, hands on the rim: push one hand up to 12 o'clock while the wheel slides through the other, which then pulls down from 1 or 11 o'clock. Hands never cross.
Look to the sides, especially at intersections, railroad crossings and when changing lanes. Check behind more often in heavy traffic, and especially when changing lanes, slowing down, backing up, or driving down a long or steep hill.
On the highway you notice brake lights about a quarter mile ahead. Because you're scanning 12 seconds ahead, you ease off the gas and slow gradually — no sudden stop, less fuel wasted, and the driver behind has time to react.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Where should a driver's hands be positioned on the steering wheel?
Both hands at 12 o'clock
Left 8-10, right 2-4 o'clock
One hand at 3 o'clock only
Left hand at 6, right hand at 12
Answer: Left 8-10, right 2-4 o'clock
Both hands should be on opposite sides: left hand between 8-10 o'clock, right hand between 2-4 o'clock.