Learning to drive involves mastering a range of skills, and one of the most important is the correct use of mirrors. Mirrors are an essential part of safe driving, and using them effectively helps monitor traffic behind and around your vehicle, anticipate hazards, and make safe decisions while on the road.
Whether you are a learner or refining your skills, understanding when and how to check your mirrors can significantly improve your driving confidence and safety. At Wimbledon Driving School, we provide driving lessons all across London, including in Hampton. Below, we discuss using mirrors as a learner and when and how to check them properly.
Why Mirrors are Crucial for Safe Driving
Mirrors allow drivers to see what’s happening around their vehicle without turning their head, providing crucial information about surrounding traffic. They help to anticipate hazards, maintain safe distances, and make decisions that reduce risk. Mirrors provide drivers with an extended view of the road, whether they’re approaching a junction, overtaking another vehicle, or reversing into a parking space.
Many accidents occur because drivers fail to check mirrors consistently, so practising regular mirror use is essential for both safety and test success. Learners are introduced to mirror use from the very first lesson, helping them develop safe habits early on. Regular practice under the guidance of a qualified instructor helps these skills feel more natural.
The Three Mirrors in a Car
Most cars have three mirrors: the rearview, the near-side, and the off-side mirrors. Each mirror serves a different purpose and is used at specific times while driving. During a lesson, you learn how to adjust and use all three mirrors correctly. Understanding and practising mirror use helps to maintain full awareness of your surroundings and drive safely. Here, we explain a bit more about each mirror:
- Rearview Mirror: The rearview mirror provides a clear, central view of the traffic directly behind a vehicle. It is crucial for monitoring following distances, anticipating the actions of vehicles approaching from the rear, and maintaining overall awareness while driving. Regular checks help to react safely to changing traffic conditions and prevent accidents.
- Near-Side Door Mirror: The near-side (left) mirror shows the left side of the car and the adjacent lane. It is especially important when changing lanes, turning left, or positioning the car correctly on narrow roads. Checking this mirror also helps identify cyclists, motorbikes, or other vehicles in your blind spot, enhancing overall safety.
- Off-Side Door Mirror: The off-side (right) mirror shows the right side of the car and the lane beside it. It is essential for overtaking, turning right, or merging into traffic safely. Using this mirror helps to spot approaching vehicles or obstacles, maintain correct lane positioning, and make confident, safe manoeuvres on all roads.
How to Check Mirrors Correctly
Using mirrors correctly is a key skill for safe driving and an essential part of passing the practical test. Mirrors provide a full view of the road behind and around the vehicle, helping to anticipate hazards and make safe decisions. Developing good mirror habits from the start makes driving more confident and controlled. Here are some key tips for checking the mirrors correctly.
Glance Quickly but Thoroughly
When checking mirrors, a quick but careful glance of 1-2 seconds is enough to assess the traffic behind or beside you. Avoid staring at the mirror for too long, as this can distract you from the road ahead. Keeping glances brief but thorough, maintains awareness while continuing to monitor the road safely. Practising this helps make mirror checks instinctive.
Combine with Shoulder Checks
Mirrors give a wide view, but they cannot eliminate blind spots entirely. Always complement mirror checks with a shoulder check before manoeuvres such as lane changes or overtaking. This ensures you spot any vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians that might not be visible in your mirrors. Combining both methods enhances safety and develops habits examiners look for during tests.
Follow a Sequence
Checking mirrors in a systematic sequence improves safety and ensures you do not miss any approaching traffic. For example, when turning left, glance in the rearview mirror, then the near-side mirror, signal, and finally carry out the manoeuvre. Following a sequence becomes instinctive with practice and helps you react appropriately to traffic while maintaining control of the vehicle.
Adjust Mirrors Properly
Properly adjusted mirrors give you the clearest view of the road and help reduce blind spots. Angle each mirror to see the road behind and a small portion of your car for reference. Check mirrors regularly to ensure they remain correctly positioned, especially if another driver has used the vehicle. Well-adjusted mirrors support safer, more confident driving in all conditions.
Use Mirrors Continuously
Make a habit of checking the mirrors roughly every 5-8 seconds in normal traffic and more often on faster roads. Regular mirror use keeps you aware of vehicles approaching from behind or the side, allowing you to anticipate hazards and react safely. Continuous awareness through mirrors is essential for planning manoeuvres, braking safely, and maintaining overall road safety.
Common Mistakes Learners Make with Mirrors
Many learners make errors with mirror use that can compromise safety or lead to test faults. Common mistakes include failing to check mirrors regularly, relying solely on mirrors without shoulder checks, glancing too quickly or inattentively, and driving with poorly adjusted mirrors.
To avoid these, make a habit of scanning mirrors every few seconds, always combine checks with shoulder glances, and ensure mirrors are correctly positioned for maximum visibility. Practising these habits during lessons under the guidance of a qualified instructor helps learners anticipate hazards, maintain correct positioning, and develop confident, safe driving routines that will benefit them long after their test.
Book Driving Lessons in Hampton with Wimbledon Driving School
We use professional driving instructors in Hampton at Wimbledon Driving School and provide driving lessons for learners of all levels – whether you are new to driving or looking to improve existing skills – with both manual and automatic lessons available. Our instructors provide structured lessons tailored to individual needs, ensuring you develop the skills and confidence required to pass your driving test successfully. Book driving lessons with Wimbledon Driving School through our website, or contact us for more information.
