Ever get behind the wheel, only to realize you’re either hugging the dashboard or stretched out like you’re lounging in a recliner?

Yeah, we’ve all been there. Finding that perfect driving position can feel like a puzzle, but it’s one that makes a massive difference, especially when you’re getting into some spirited driving.

I’ve got you covered with some “cheat codes” for setting up your seat like a pro, so you can focus on the fun stuff (aka, the drive). Let’s get you dialed in!

What you’re going to do before you even go for your first drive is get your seat position right. I’m going to give you cheat codes to make sure that happens.

The very first thing you’re going to do is get your seat as low as it will go. The reason you do this is because for spirited driving, you want to be as low in the car as possible.

Next, set your seat all the way back until you reach a point where you can depress the clutch and still have a bit of bend in your leg.

If you’re too far back, you won’t be able to comfortably engage and disengage the clutch. You want that little bend in your leg so you’re comfortable.

Now, with the seat as low as it can go and set to the correct distance, you’re ready to move on. The reason we start with the seat is that everything else can be adjusted, but the seat’s relation to the clutch is finite.

You need to get the seat in the right position before you can adjust anything else.

The next step is setting up your backrest. You want a commanding driving position, which means sitting pretty upright.

If you’re extremely laid back, it’s likely because you’re tall and can’t get the seat low enough. But if you’re leaning back too much, you’ll end up too far from the steering wheel, your view will be obstructed, and things will feel awkward.

So, aim for a nice, upright position. Now you’ve got good back support, and you’re ready to set up the steering wheel.

To adjust the steering wheel, bring it as close to your chest as possible without it feeling overbearing.

In most modern cars, the steering wheel won’t go as far as some of us might like, so bring it out as far as it will go. The height is a personal preference, but generally, you want it angled toward your chest. Set it so that you can see the gauges without them being obstructed.

Let’s recap: I’ve set my seat as low as it will go, adjusted the distance to the pedals, set up the backrest, and positioned the steering wheel.

Now, the only thing left to do is adjust my mirrors, since moving everything else around may have altered my view. At this point, you’re in the perfect position for spirited driving.

These are the steps, the cheat code, and the order you should follow to get things right.

Now, if you’re not of average height, this might feel a bit awkward at first. You might find you can’t get close enough to the pedals with the steering wheel in a good position, or, if you’re very tall, your seat might be so far back that reaching the steering wheel becomes a stretch.

After you’ve followed this guide and found an acceptable position, tweak it to suit your own body and preferences. Some people prefer to be really upright in the seat, while others like a slightly more reclined position.

But keep it within the boundaries of what I’ve described here—the general philosophy is the key.

You’re all set up for a driving position that’s both comfortable and ready for action. Getting the right seat height, distance, backrest angle, and steering wheel placement might seem a bit meticulous, but it’s worth every second.

When you’re positioned well, you’ve got better control, quicker reaction times, and more comfort, especially if you’re out for a spirited drive where every move counts.

Follow these steps. Then you’re ready to hit the road with confidence. Enjoy the drive!