In a method for detecting contact between a drivers hands and the steering wheel (12) of a vehicle, an actuator (14) for selectively applying a steering force and sensors (22) for measuring the instantaneous steering force and/or the steering angle being associated with the steering wheel (12), the actuator (14) impresses (32) a test force pulse pattern on the steering wheel (12). The steering force sensor and/or the steering angle sensor (22) measure(s) the reaction of the steering wheel movement to the test pulse pattern, and the reaction of the steering wheel movement is used to decide whether or not at least one of the drivers hands is in contact with the steering wheel (12).
