How to Adjust the Rearview Mirror Properly for Subject 2 Test?

[MacSilas]

Subject 2 test rearview mirror adjustment method is as follows: 1. Vertical adjustment: Press it directly to the lowest position, ensuring the left rear tire and its contact point with the ground are visible in the mirror. 2. Horizontal adjustment: Press the left switch until the car body occupies about 1/4 of the mirror's width. 3. Notes: The main purpose of adjusting the rearview mirror before starting is to clearly see the position and angle between the car body (wheels) and the parking lines in the mirror, allowing timely steering adjustments. It's worth mentioning that the rearview mirror must be adjusted with the seat in the correct position and posture, otherwise, the accuracy of the adjustment cannot be guaranteed.

[Miller]

Adjusting the rearview mirrors is especially crucial for Subject 2 (parking test). My instructor repeatedly emphasized this during the exam. First, sit upright in the seat without leaning, with the backrest vertical, so you can accurately gauge the position. Use your left hand to adjust the left mirror—positioning the front door handle at the bottom third of the mirror is ideal, as it allows you to see the rear wheel and the corner of the parking space, giving you confidence during reverse parking. The right mirror is adjusted similarly, but use your right hand, ensuring the rear door handle appears at the top edge of the mirror. Imagine reversing into a parking space: if the mirror is too low, you won’t see the lines; if it’s too high, you’ll struggle to track the tire’s path. I always remind students: spending ten seconds to check mirror positions before starting is a hundred times better than retaking the test after crossing the line. Make it a habit during practice, and it’ll come naturally during the exam.

[IsabelaMarie]

When I was taking the driving test, I was most afraid of hitting the line while reversing. Later, I found that 70% of the problems were due to improperly adjusted mirrors. Sitting upright is key—having the seat too far back can distort your view. For the left mirror, adjust it so the front door handle is near the bottom, leaving a little gap to see the ground markings. For the right mirror, make sure you can see the outline of the rear wheel, especially for parallel parking, so the rear position is clear at a glance. The test car might differ from your practice car, so quickly fine-tune the mirrors after getting in. Align the mirror edges with distant reference points, like the garage poles or tile seams. After adjusting, don’t rush to shift gears—turn around to check the actual effect. Once, my left mirror was too high and I almost hit the corner of the garage, but luckily, I glanced in time to correct it.

[Carolyn]

The rearview mirrors must be adjusted in conjunction with the seat, as your seating position affects the entire field of vision. For the left mirror, push the bottom with your hand to angle it downward until the ground markings are clearly visible, with at least one-third of the wheel showing. For the right mirror, pay attention to the positioning of the rear window—avoid having the car body fill the entire mirror; leave about a quarter of the space to observe the surroundings. This is crucial for the curve and right-angle turns in Subject 2 of the driving test. I always double-check before turning off the engine: Are the distances on both sides of the car symmetrical in the mirrors? Subject 2 tests these details. Once the mirrors are properly adjusted, you rarely need to check the side mirrors, making things much easier. During practice, try adjusting to different car models to get used to the rhythm—there’s a noticeable difference in feel between the beat-up cars at driving schools and new cars.

[Emersyn]

The instructor said that improperly adjusted mirrors are like reversing blindfolded. For the left mirror, focus more on the front door handle and rear wheel, adjust it lower but not completely to the bottom, otherwise, the reflection of water on the ground can be glaring. For the right mirror, position the rear door handle at the top edge of the mirror, so the rear of the car is centered in your view during parallel parking. During the test, nervousness can make your hands shake, remember to press the adjustment button with your whole palm and push slowly, don't poke randomly with your fingertips. After adjusting, test by reversing into the parking space to see if the corner of the space remains visible throughout. Some people like to tilt the mirrors outward, but for the narrow test area in Subject 2, it can be distracting. I recommend keeping the default angle and making slight adjustments, after all, it's not like driving on the road.