ハンドルを握にぎる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

hold the steering wheel; drive a car

Idiomatic expression for driving, emphasizing the act of being behind the wheel. Often used when talking about who is driving or the experience of driving.

• 長ちょう距きょ離りの運うん転てんでは、父ちちと交こう代たいでハンドルを握にぎった。

  On the long drive, I took turns holding the steering wheel with my father.

• 彼かれは初はじめてハンドルを握にぎったとき、とても緊きん張ちょうしたそうだ。

  He says he was very nervous the first time he got behind the wheel.