Mirrors question

Ben1994

Do I check all 3 mirrors whilst doing the driving test or do I just check the top mirror? Bit confused cause I've had 2 instructors tell me different..

readytosnap

Always check all of your mirrors, you need to be aware of what is going on around you. you don't have to stare at them, just a glance is sufficient, in time you will just do it automatically without thinking about it.

user.name

you need to glance in your rear view mirror about every 10 seconds and when you enter into a new road etc. you use your side mirrors any time you change lanes, turn the car, moving off, reverse etc. knowing when to use your mirrors correctly is an essential element to passing the test as most people fail on observation

challengemaster

Ben1994 wrote: »

Do I check all 3 mirrors whilst doing the driving test or do I just check the top mirror? Bit confused cause I've had 2 instructors tell me different..

Any instructor that told you checking all 3 is not required should be reported.

readytosnap

Well, did you pass your test?

greyc

challengemaster wrote: »

Any instructor that told you checking all 3 is not required should be reported.

I think you're wrong here, my instructor specifically told me not to keep checking all 3 mirrors but only the rear view one every so often, and the door mirrors when turning, moving in or out and changing lane, and only check them in pairs not all 3 together. He also used to be a driving tester and I passed first time.

A friend of mine failed her test after me, because her instructor told her to regularly check all 3 mirrors. She ended up getting a load of faults for Reaction to Hazard, and the tester told her afterwards it was because she was doing too much looking in the mirrors and not enough looking at the road ahead. He said he was fed up with instructors telling their pupils to keep looking in mirrors when there was clearly no need to.

Ben1994

I did pass and done exactly what the poster above me did.

readytosnap

Ben1994 wrote: »

I did pass.

Well Done.

challengemaster

greyc wrote: »

I think you're wrong here, my instructor specifically told me not to keep checking all 3 mirrors but only the rear view one every so often, and the door mirrors when turning, moving in or out and changing lane, and only check them in pairs not all 3 together. He also used to be a driving tester and I passed first time.

The rear view is the primary mirror used, but not to be the only one.

Cyclists are the very reason you need to check more than just your rear view mirror. For most cases, just checking the rear view occasionally is fine, but you'll suddenly end up with a cyclist in your blind spot if that's all you're checking.

greyc

challengemaster wrote: »

The rear view is the primary mirror used, but not to be the only one.

Cyclists are the very reason you need to check more than just your rear view mirror. For most cases, just checking the rear view occasionally is fine, but you'll suddenly end up with a cyclist in your blind spot if that's all you're checking.

If you're driving down a road doing 40/50kmh, a cyclist isn't going to suddenly appear in your blind spot, and even if one does, it wouldn't matter if you are continuing on straight. The problem only arises if you're turning or moving in or out from your normal driving position. In that case you should check your rear view mirror and door mirror in the direction that you're moving. There's really no point checking your left mirror if you're moving to the right and vice versa.

So the instructor that told the OP not to be checking his 3 mirrors is correct and certainly doesn't need to be reported. Continuously checking all 3 mirrors while driving on the straight will only distract your attention to whats happening ahead.

challengemaster

greyc wrote: »

If you're driving down a road doing 40/50kmh, a cyclist isn't going to suddenly appear in your blind spot, and even if one does, it wouldn't matter if you are continuing on straight.

You're the first one to use that specific example, but - Cyclists are more than capable of travelling at that speed (and above). And either way you still need to be aware of your surroundings and other road users at all times. You can't ignore it just because you're going straight.

So the instructor that told the OP not to be checking his 3 mirrors is correct and certainly doesn't need to be reported. Continuously checking all 3 mirrors while driving on the straight will only distract your attention to whats happening ahead.

You may need to re-read what the OP said.

Ben1994 wrote: »

Do I check all 3 mirrors whilst doing the driving test or do I just check the top mirror? Bit confused cause I've had 2 instructors tell me different..

He never said he was told not to check them whilst driving straight. He was told not to check them (at all).

greyc

challengemaster wrote: »

He never said he was told not to check them whilst driving straight. He was told not to check them (at all).

I think you're the one who needs to read the OPs post again. Where did he say that was told not to check them at all??

I made the point about not checking them while driving on the straight as I believe that that was what he was referring to. Some instructors encourage pupils to keep checking all 3 mirrors while driving on the straight which is wrong and could lead to you failing your driving test. I'm quite sure the instructor who told him to only check his rear view mirror was referring to this and not when turning or changing direction. However maybe the OP could clarify this.

Craftylee

When driving straight and not turning or changing lanes - the occasional glance in the rear view mirror is fine. If you do it too often you will be marked down (happened during my first test). Things like slowing down for speed bumps etc you want to check the rear view as well

Of course depending on the situation this can change, for example if theirs a merging bus lane on your left you would to check your left mirror etc.

General rule of thumb:

Turning left - check center and left mirror
Turning right - check center and right mirror