in the driver's seat

Idioms  

1. Also, in the saddle. In control, in a position of authority. For example, With the boss on vacation, Mr. Burns was in the driver's seat and enjoying it, or She waited until after the election, knowing that she'd be in the saddle then. The first expression dates from the 1800s, the second from the early 1600s. Also see at the helm.

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Example Sentences

They come through speakers in the driver’s seat headrest, while the song or podcast keeps playing everywhere else.

From The Wall Street Journal

As I do, the front door swings open, and the light from inside the van lets me see the man in the driver’s seat.

From Literature

It was so tall that the woman in the driver’s seat sat just a little lower than Akira and Sue on the back of Dodger.

From Literature

The tourists shook off their surprise and leaned in to ooh and ahh and take pictures of the polar bear, and Owen’s dad turned around in the driver’s seat and gave Owen a quiet fist bump.

From Literature

Despite his glamorous brush with fame, Ellis has not given up the day job, he is still in the driver's seat on a London Underground train.

From BBC