I have seen pictures of tiger tank drivers driving with their head and chest out of the hatch. From what I can tell the hatch is off to the side and somewhat higher than the drivers seat. Did they have an extencion for the controls?

No extended controls.

Maybe he was on "his tippy-toes"?
Maybe he was a tall driver?
Maybe the tank was not in motion?

In some tanks/APCs the seats can be raised/lowered