Using Mirrors
Effective Use
Using your mirrors frequently and intelligently is vital to good driving.
Learning to judge the speed and distance of vehicles behind takes practice.
Try this exercise while stationary:
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Compare what you see in your interior mirror and exterior mirrors.
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Notice that vehicles appear smaller in exterior mirrors.
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Then look over your shoulder to confirm the true position of traffic.
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Identify your blind spots — areas your mirrors can’t show.
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Choosing the Right Mirror
Use the interior mirror first, followed by the exterior mirrors as needed.
The mirror you use depends on your manoeuvre and driving situation.
For example, before turning left in slow-moving traffic, check your nearside mirror for cyclists filtering along your left.
When to Check Your Mirrors
Always check your mirrors in good time — well before:
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Approaching a hazard
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Slowing down or stopping
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Changing direction or lane
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Turning left or right
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Overtaking
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Signalling
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Moving off
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Opening your car door
When Checking Mirrors, Ask Yourself
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How close is the traffic behind me?
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How fast is it moving?
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What is it doing?
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Is it safe to carry out my manoeuvre?
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How will my signal affect other drivers?
Using mirrors early allows other road users time to react to your signals and intentions.