behind the wheel

behind the wheel

1. Driving a vehicle (and thus literally sitting behind the steering wheel). Don't worry, Katie's behind the wheel, and she hasn't been drinking tonight. I'm so excited to finally be behind the wheel of my own car!
2. In charge. With Jim behind the wheel, I'm not sure this team will have the leadership it needs.
See also: behind, wheel
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

at/behind the ˈwheel (of something)

driving a car: Who was at the wheel when the car crashed?
Wheel in this phrase refers to the steering wheel of a car.
See also: behind, wheel
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • drop behind
  • run behind
  • lie behind
  • lie behind (someone or something)
  • trail behind
  • on (one's) six
  • on your six
  • fall behind
  • get behind
  • get behind something
References in periodicals archive
"However, using your phone behind the wheel does not get less risky the more you do it.
Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake, said: "Using a phone when behind the wheel can impair you as much as driving drunk, so it's a real concern that one in four people think it's safe to use their phone when behind the wheel in stationary traffic.
"I am shocked at the sheer number of people who continue to use their mobile phone behind the wheel when they are well aware of the dangers and know they are breaking the law.
It'll be my first race in Formula E and I'm eager to get behind the wheel again.
Safety is paramount but the emphasis is on having fun and building their confidence behind the wheel.
Mike Brewer "Behind The Wheel" with Brad Fanshaw has already created a buzz among automotive enthusiasts.
ALMOST half of all parents admit that keeping their child safe on the roads is one of their greatest parenting concerns, from being a pedestrian and cyclist, to getting behind the wheel. According to the research from pre-17 driving experts Young Driver, one in six parents say they are absolutely terrified of their child learning to drive.
London: Research will be reassuring news to nervous drivers, that they are not alone in feeling worried behind the wheel.
Inspector Dave Cust from the North Wales Roads Policing Unit said using a mobile behind the wheel is one of the top five causes of fatal crashes and is an issue the force will continue to crack down on in 2018.
Tech and car companies are planning to test autonomous cars without anyone behind the wheel in the state of Washington.
A new, extensive (http://blog.zendrive.com/distracted-driving/) study of driving habits by smartphone owners found nearly nine in 10 people use their phone while behind the wheel.
AN ALARMING number of university students have admitted to using their mobile phones while behind the wheel, as well as speeding and drink driving.
Police in Kiti in the Larnaca district nabbed a drunk driver sitting behind the wheel of his car after crashing into a lamp post in the early hours of Sunday, they said.
Muscat, Apr 3 (ONA) Muscat will host on / Friday / a big global event, the Red Bull Formula 1 Showrun Team.The Sultanates Champion Ahmad al- Harthy will be behind the wheel of the most expensive British Aston Martin / Vulcan /.