Beginner Driver Education · The Vehicle and Its Components
Understanding Your Car's Steering & Power Steering - Video Guide
Driviology Road Safety Education Team
What this actually means for you
You do not need to be a mechanic to drive well, but you do need to know what the car is telling you and what to check before you trust it. This page covers car's steering & power steering — what it involves, why it matters, and how it shows up in everyday driving. A two-minute check before a trip can be the difference between a minor inconvenience at home and a breakdown on the 401.
Understanding Your Car's Steering & Power Steering - Informative Video
Important Note: Please make sure to watch the video entirely without skipping. The next slide contains mandatory Multiple Choice / Opinion Types Questions related to this video.
Using this on Ontario roads — and on your road test
This becomes very practical on test day: before a DriveTest road test, the examiner confirms the car is roadworthy — signals, brake lights, horn, and tires are checked, and a test can be postponed if the vehicle is not safe to use. The same checks serve you every day in Ontario: a burnt-out brake light in February slush, a soft tire in a cold snap, wipers that smear instead of clear. Spend two minutes walking around the car before trips and learn what normal looks like, so abnormal stands out. It is a small habit that prevents a surprising share of roadside misery.
Questions drivers ask us
Can you explain car's steering & power steering in simple terms?
Explore our comprehensive video guide on car steering and power steering. Test your knowledge with multiple choice questions and share your opinions.
How often should I check these things?
A quick walk-around before trips, and a proper look about once a month — tires, fluids, lights, and anything that looks, sounds, or feels different from last time. Catching a small problem early is almost always cheaper and safer than meeting it on the highway.
Will the examiner check my car before the road test?
Yes. Before the test, the examiner confirms the vehicle is roadworthy — things like signals, brake lights, horn, and tires. If the car is not safe or legal to drive, the test may not go ahead, so check these before test day, not in the parking lot.