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 |