Learner Drivers in Poland

Quite near to where we are staying there is a big driving instruction centre (both car and bike).

I was on my way back when I stopped at the junction to allow a learner driver to pull in off the main road, onto the large concrete area where they practise their manoeuvres and slow skills without danger to the public or other road users.

It was as the driver passed me by that I noticed that she was crossing her hands to turn into the centre and (although I am not 100% sure) the instructor did not seem to have any concern about this.

Not in England though. This is seen as a cardinal error of the highest magnitude and if it doesn't result in a public flogging it most certainly warrants a failure of the driving test and not ever being allowed to have children.

I have frequently wondered why this "crossing of hands whilst turning" is considered such bad habit. The usual response is that it either:-

(a) Means the driver has not sufficiently slowed the vehicle down to take the corner
(b) It is not considered "safe" to drive with one hand on the steering wheel

OK, I further state:-

(a) Bollocks. Not once have I ever seen (or personally done so myself) a corner being cut off or driven wide due to crossing of hands

(b) Double bollocks. So what happens when you change gear- that necessitates in one hand being removed from the wheel.

Anyone care to put me out of my misery and explain what the real reason is? And also why no one* pays the slightest bit of attention to this once they have passed their test?






*With the exception of ex-Plod and drivers who wear driving gloves and a hat, of course...