Adjusting the mirrors on a car is an important part of learning to drive. It is essential for drivers to be able to see what is going on around them and that mirrors correctly so that they can do so safely. During driving lessons, it is important for the driving instructor to ensure that the student’s mirrors are properly adjusted. This will improve safety by allowing the student to focus on their driving. Properly adjusting car mirrors before a driving lesson is essential and will ensure that you get the most out of your lessons and become a safe, responsible driver.
Adjusting your car mirrors is part of the cockpit drill and is something driving instructors will usually teach you how to do during your first driving lesson.
Having properly adjusted mirrors for your height and seating position is vital for your safety. Every time you change your seating position or drive a new car you will need to check and readjust your mirrors to ensure you have maximum visibility.
How to adjust your mirrors for maximum visibility
Rear View Mirror
This allows you to see what Is happening behind you, it is mounted in the upper section of the windscreen.
Ensure you are sitting in your normal driving position and adjust the mirror until you can see the entire rear window easily.
Side or Wing Mirrors
These mirrors provide a wide viewing angle for each side of the car. Depending on your car they can be adjusted with electric or manual controls.
Left Side Mirror
Make sure you are sitting in your normal driving position in the driver’s seat. Move the mirror a little at a time until you get it to the correct position. Ideally, you want to adjust the mirror until you see just part of the car and have a view of the road behind you.
Right Side Mirror
When you are sitting in your normal driving position in the drivers seat adjust the mirror so that you can see a small section of the car and the road behind.
Getting the mirror positions correct is crucial as you rely on the mirrors for moving off, overtaking, changing lanes and joining dual-carriageways or motorways.
Mirrors are essential and should be checked regularly but it’s important that you don’t solely rely on these when you are driving. As there will be blind spots around your car which you should always be aware of and you should always look over your shoulder too to ensure it is safe to complete a manoeuvre.
At Geoff Capes Driving School we help hundreds of people of all ages learn to drive in manual or automatic cars. Your driving instructor will help you position the mirrors and teach you the skills you need including how to move-off, safely negotiate junctions, drive in bad weather, parallel park and much more.