The development of a manual for truck drivers was first proposed by Ken Briggs of the South Australian Road Transport Industry Training Committee. Ken saw the manual as an important adjunct to the development of the theory and practical tests for graduatedriver's licences. The work on both the manual and tests has also been supported by the National Road Transport Industry Training Committee, and particularly its former Executive Officer, Cliff Johnston. The Federal Office of Road Safety provided the bulk of the funds for the project. We would like to acknowledge the assistance received from the following organisations. The Road Traffic Authorities of the Commonwealth, States and Territories. The State Road Transport Industry Training Committees and Councils. Officers of the WA Police Department's Licensing and Services Branch. Officers of the Australian Road Transport Federation, Victorian Branch of the TWU, Driver Education Centre of Australia, NRMA of New South Wales, and the Australian Army.

The steering wheel should normally be held lightly with both hands. Gripping the wheel too tightly can lead to fatigue and prevent smooth movement when steering. On greasy or slippery surfaces a light grip is particularly important because it enables you to 'feel' the reaction of the front wheels on the road. Manual steering (i.e. not power-assisted) may require a firmer grip, particularly when cornering or braking. The correct position for your hands on the steering wheel varies according to the size and position of the steering wheel. The most commonly recommended position is 'a quarter to three' where, if the steering wheel is viewed as the face of a clock, the hands are opposite each other at 9 and 3 on the dial (Refer Figure 2.1). Another favoured position is that shown as 'ten to two'. The 'twenty to four' position (hands at 4 and 8 on the dial) used by drivers of older, heavy-steering vehicles is not recommended for modern easily steered vehicles because it restricts steering movemen