My trainer has thought me to hold the steering in 9-3 or 10-2 position. Also, right hand should be used from 0 degree to 180 degree and left hand for 180 degree to 360 degree so that while turning, hands do not get locked.
Its right way to hold the steering.
Even when I was learning driving 6-7 years back, I remember that my trainer also taught me not to let cross hands while turning and even he taught me to turn the steering with both hands by turning 15-30 degree each time so hands don't cross while I take bigger turns.
But when we get used of car driving after driving for a long time, our mind remembers each and every thing like when and how to use steering, clutch, brake, accelerator, gears, indicators, flash etc. Its just matter of practice.
So it i advisable to new learners that don't let yourself fall in wrong practice while you start learning, becasue after it becomes your habit, it get hard to correct it.