Driving Schools Directory
• Accelerator • Gear Lever • Moving Away • Seat Belts
• Anticipation • Gears • Moving Off • Signals
• Approaching Junctions • General • Overtaking • Steering
• Brake • Handbrake • Pedestrian Crossings • Steering Wheel
• Clearance • Head Restraint • Reverse Parking • Stopping
• Clutch • Indicators • Reversing • T-Junctions
• Crossing Other Traffic • Interior Mirror • Road Positioning • The Engine
• Crossroads • Making Progress • Safe Distance • Turn In The Road
• Emmergency Stop • Meeting Approaching Traffic • Safety Routine
• Exterior Mirrors • Mirrors • Seat


Practical Driving Test Tips - Mirrors
Problem Reason Solution
Although you used the mirrors, you didn’t act on what was seen Because you didn’t know how to react Use the information sensibly and consider the effect of your manoeuvre on others
You checked the door mirror first, rather than the interior mirror Because you didn’t realise in which order to check them Check the interior mirror first, as this will give you a life-size image of what’s behind
You didn’t adjust the exterior mirror(s) correctly Maybe you’re unsure about how to do that Position the mirror(s) (explain how) so that you get a good view to the rear and side of the vehicle, not pointing up to the sky or down to the ground
You didn’t check your mirrors before signalling/slowing down Because you were concentrating on where to stop Use quick glances to check the mirrors well before signalling
You didn’t check your mirrors before signalling/slowing down Because you didn’t want to take your eyes off the road Use quick glances - these take less’ than half a second
You didn’t check your mirrors before signalling/slowing down Because you forgot Use the initials MSM to remind you to check the mirrors
You didn’t check your mirrors before signalling/slowing down Because you didn’t understand the importance of doing so Using the mirrors will tell you what the following traffic is doing / intends to do and how it will affect you, and vice-versa.
You didn’t check your mirrors before signalling/slowing down Because you looked down at the foot controls Use mirrors before any manoeuvre - change of speed or direction. Practice using the foot controls without looking down
You didn’t take a secondary look in your mirrors Because you didn’t realise the importance of doing so Take a secondary look in your Mirrors to make sure following drivers have seen your signal(s) and are reacting
You haven’t adjusted the mirrors at all Because you were leaning towards / away from the mirror(s) Adjust them after assessing their positioning from your normal seating position, sitting squarely in your seat, facing the front
You haven’t adjusted the mirrors at all Because you did the safety routine out of sequence Adjust the mirrors once your seat is positioned correctly
You haven’t adjusted the mirrors at all Perhaps you forgot Use the sequence DSSSM, say it to yourself, to ensure you carry out each aspect of the safety routine
You haven’t adjusted the mirrors at all Because you didn’t think they were important Check the alignment of the door mirrors every time you get in the car and adjust as necessary
You only checked the door mirror Because you didn’t realise the difference between the door mirror and interior mirror Use the interior mirror first door mirrors are usually convex and this will cause things to appear smaller and further away than they actually are
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I direction Because you’re not concentrating Use the mirrors every 5 seconds, as a general guideline. Say to yourself ‘1 -2-3-4-5 mirrors check’. As soon as you see a hazard, check the mirrors
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I direction Because you’re afraid to take your eyes off the road Use quick glances. It will only take half a second or less to check the mirrors
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I direction Because you’re mesmerised by the hazards in front Check the mirrors immediately you see a hazard, and then keep checking
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I direction Because-you’re unaware of the reasons for doing so Using the mirrors will tell you about the behaviour of following traffic
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I direction Because you’re unaware of the consequences of not doing so Checking mirrors would prevent following traffic crashing into you by making you aware of their closeness and intentions
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you’re not acting on what you see in them Use the information sensibly and act accordingly (explain)
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you’re checking mirrors and signalling at the same time Check mirrors well before signalling, as soon as you know you’re going to be carrying out a manoeuvre - any change of speed or direction
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you’re braking and checking mirrors simultaneously Plan your actions; check mirrors well before braking and consider how you could affect others
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you’re using the mirrors too late Use the mirrors as soon as you see the hazard - not several seconds later
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you’re not using them when you enter a new road Use the mirrors as soon as you are straight in the new road -there may be traffic wanting to / attempting to overtake you
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you haven’t adjusted them correctly Adjust your mirrors before moving away - use the DSSSM routine to help you remember to set them
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you’re showboating, using exaggerated and theatrical head movements Use only eye movement to check the interior mirror. You will, naturally, need to move your head slightly to check your door mirrors
You’re not using your door mirrors (enough) Because you felt you didn’t have time Begin the MSM sequence earlier, say, 2 seconds, to give you time to fit in all the checks
You’re not using your door mirrors (enough) Because you don’t fully, understand the reasons for doing so Using the door mirrors will alert you to vehicles, especially two-wheelers, coming up on either side
You’re not using your door mirrors (enough) Because you’ve been driving a car without them Use the sequence: interior mirror, door mirror, at least twice before turning left or right
You’re only using the door mirrors Because you’ve been driving a van (or similar) Use the sequence: interior mirror, appropriate door mirror, at least twice before turning left or right
You’re staring in the mirror Because you’re mesmerised by following traffic Use quick glances, don’t stare; this could cause you to veer off course
You’re using the mirrors incorrectly Because you’re using the door mirrors first, then the interior one Use the interior mirror first, then the door mirrors. The interior mirror will always give you a ‘life-size’ image of following traffic