Can the rearview mirror be adjusted during the Subject 2 driving test?
3 Answers
During the Subject 2 driving test, the rearview mirror can be adjusted. After the test starts, you can adjust it before moving on to the next test item, but only inside the car. Your hands must not extend out of the window, and you cannot get out of the car to adjust it. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the mirrors before the test begins. Below are the methods for adjusting the rearview mirrors of the test vehicle for Subject 2: After getting into the car, adjust the seat and backrest to maintain a normal driving posture, then proceed to adjust the rearview mirrors. The adjustment buttons for the rearview mirrors are located on the inner side of the front doors and can be adjusted in four directions: up, down, forward, and backward. Method for adjusting the left rearview mirror: Maintain an upright sitting position. When adjusting left and right, ensure the car body occupies one-third of the mirror's surface. When adjusting up and down, position the rear door handle near the upper edge of the left rearview mirror. Method for adjusting the right rearview mirror: Similarly, maintain an upright sitting position. When adjusting left and right, ensure the car body occupies one-third of the mirror's surface. When adjusting up and down, position the rear door handle near the upper edge of the right rearview mirror.
I've been teaching Subject 2 at the driving school for several years, and students often ask if they can adjust the rearview mirrors during the test. The answer is absolutely not. The rules state that once the vehicle is started, it's considered part of the exam. Adjusting the mirrors can distract attention and may even be seen as a violation. Why so strict? Rearview mirrors are crucial for visibility and safety, especially during tasks like hill starts or reverse parking—even a slight misalignment can cause you to cross lines or go out of bounds. I always remind students to spend two minutes checking their seat and mirror angles before starting the car—adjust the up, down, left, and right positions to ensure you can see both sides of the car and distant road conditions. If you move the mirrors during the test, the examiner may deduct points or make you retake it, which can also shake your confidence. Develop good habits during practice so you won’t panic during the test. If the position feels off, just bear with it and focus on steering control. Remember, thorough preparation is key to passing, and safe driving starts with the small details.
I learned this the hard way during my second driving test last year. I started the car right away without adjusting the mirrors, and during parallel parking, I couldn't see anything in the right mirror—the car was off-center and almost crossed the line. Luckily, I stopped in time to avoid failing. Later, my instructor told me that once the car is started during the test, you can't adjust the mirrors anymore because the rules consider it part of driving, and making adjustments would be marked as distracted operation. My advice: take a deep breath before the test, sit properly, and check the mirror positions—adjust them vertically to see a bit of the car body and horizontally to cover blind spots behind you. Developing this habit helps in everyday driving too, like avoiding accidents when turning if the mirrors are set right. Bottom line: handle all details beforehand, then focus solely on the test maneuvers.
