How to Adjust Left and Right Rearview Mirrors for Driving Test?

[DeGabrielle]

Before adjusting the rearview mirrors, first adjust the seat and backrest to find a comfortable position. Only after fixing the position should you proceed to adjust the mirrors. Locate the mirror adjustment lever on the front door of the test vehicle. Tilt your head slightly to the left while focusing on the mirror, then use your thumb and index finger to manipulate the lever. Adjust the mirror to tilt downward until you can fully see the front door handle, rear tire, and contact point with the ground.

[VonEmily]

As a seasoned driver who has gone through the driving test, the key to adjusting rearview mirrors lies in balancing visibility and blind spot control. First, adjust the left side: press your head against the driver's window and turn the knob until you see a small portion of your car body in the mirror, with the horizon roughly in the middle. For the right mirror, maintain a normal sitting posture and turn the knob so that the car body occupies about a quarter of the mirror surface, with the sky and ground each taking up half. It's best to adjust with the ignition on, as some cars' locking mechanisms may jam otherwise. Before the test, ensure the knob is reset and securely locked—I've seen too many people experience mirror drift during adjustment. Remember to fine-tune the rearview mirrors when reversing to clearly see the parking lines.

[JoshuaAnn]

The instructor repeatedly emphasized that rearview mirrors determine the success or failure of the test. When I was learning to drive, I used a simple method: first adjust the left mirror vertically to ensure the rear wheel's contact point with the ground is visible—this gives confidence during parallel parking. Then adjust the horizontal angle until the end of your own door handle just disappears from view. The right mirror should allow you to see the rear door handle; setting it too low causes glare, while too high makes the sidewalk invisible. When adjusting, press your entire back against the seat and stretch your arm so it just reaches the control knob—this is the most scientific approach. Mirrors must be readjusted every time someone new gets in the car, and too many mirror control knobs in driving school cars have been twisted to failure.

[DeGage]

Poorly adjusted mirrors are like driving blind. For the left mirror, focus on two key points: the car body should occupy 1/4 of the mirror surface, and the horizon should bisect the view vertically. The right mirror should prioritize eliminating blind spots by maximizing the outer field of view. Test it before your exam: when a rear vehicle disappears from the rearview mirror, it should immediately appear in the side mirror to pass inspection. Remember to wipe off oily film on rainy days, and turn on the defogger when fogged up. While modern curved blue-tinted mirrors reduce glare, they can distort distance perception - stick with factory mirrors for testing reliability.