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Mississippi driving lesson · Vehicle Equipment & Safe Driving Basics

Before you drive & what to watch for

A 3-minute lesson from the Mississippi course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Vehicle Equipment & Safe Driving Basics
Checkpoint questions
5
Source pages
22

Good driving starts before you pull out: license with you, seat and mirrors set, belt on. Then your hands and eyes do the work. Hold the wheel correctly and keep watching for the people and cars most likely to surprise you.

To prepare to drive:

  • Make sure you have your driver's license; state law requires you to present it on request
  • Adjust your seat so you can reach the wheel and pedals easily
  • Fasten your seat belt
  • Adjust the rearview mirror so you can see the roadway behind
  • Adjust your sideview mirrors as well
Handbook p. 22 ↗

Know the rule

Place both hands on the outside of the steering wheel on opposite sides, at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, to maintain control.

Handbook p. 22 ↗

Know the rule

The 2 and 10 o'clock position is no longer recommended because it can be dangerous in a vehicle equipped with airbags.

Handbook p. 22 ↗

Gripping the wheel:

  • Keep your grip firm but gentle
  • Use your fingers instead of the palms of your hands
  • Keep your thumbs up along the face of the wheel
  • Never turn the wheel while gripping it from the inside
Handbook p. 22 ↗

Pay careful attention to:

  • Children: they may act without thinking, especially when playing with or chasing a ball
  • Bicyclists: don't assume any cyclist has training in bicycle safety
  • Cars parked on the side of the street: a door might open and obstruct your lane
  • Signals that other vehicles may be pulling out into traffic
  • Sudden turns and stops by other drivers
  • Reckless drivers: get out of their way if possible
Handbook p. 22 ↗

Know the rule

Slow down and proceed with caution around schools, playgrounds, residential areas and other areas where children may be walking, bicycling or playing.

Handbook p. 22 ↗

Put it into practice

A ball bounces into a neighborhood street from between parked cars. Expect a child to chase it: slow down and be ready to stop. With your hands at 3 and 9, you can steer smoothly if you must.

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 your hands be positioned on the steering wheel, according to current recommendations?
  1. Anywhere comfortable on the inside rim
  2. 3 and 9 o'clock, on the outside of the wheel
  3. 2 and 10 o'clock, on the outside of the wheel
  4. 12 and 6 o'clock

Answer: 3 and 9 o'clock, on the outside of the wheel

The 3 and 9 o'clock positions on the outside of the wheel are recommended; 2 and 10 is discouraged due to airbag risk.

Handbook p. 22 ↗
Why is the 2 and 10 o'clock steering hand position no longer recommended?
  1. It makes sharp turns harder to control
  2. It is illegal under Mississippi law
  3. It tires your arms more quickly
  4. It can be dangerous in a vehicle equipped with airbags

Answer: It can be dangerous in a vehicle equipped with airbags

The 2 and 10 position can be dangerous in vehicles with airbags, so 3 and 9 is now recommended.

Handbook p. 22 ↗
How should you grip the steering wheel?
  1. Tightly, using the palms of your hands
  2. Loosely, with one hand at the top
  3. From the inside of the rim for leverage
  4. Firmly but gently, using your fingers rather than your palms

Answer: Firmly but gently, using your fingers rather than your palms

Your grip should be firm but gentle, using your fingers instead of your palms with thumbs up along the face of the wheel.

Handbook p. 22 ↗
According to the handbook, what should you never do when turning the steering wheel?
  1. Keep your hands on the outside of the rim
  2. Use your fingers instead of your palms
  3. Grip it from the inside of the wheel
  4. Keep your thumbs up along the wheel's face

Answer: Grip it from the inside of the wheel

Never turn the wheel while gripping it from the inside of the steering wheel.

Handbook p. 22 ↗
Why does the handbook tell you to pay careful attention to cars parked on the side of the street?
  1. A door might open into your lane
  2. They may pull out without signaling
  3. Their headlights may blind you
  4. They may hide a stop sign

Answer: A door might open into your lane

The handbook warns that a parked car's door might open and obstruct your lane.

Handbook p. 22 ↗
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