How to Adjust the Rearview Mirrors for Driving Test Vehicles?
4 Answers
Adjust the seat to the most comfortable driving position. Below are the methods for adjusting the rearview mirrors of a driving test vehicle: 1. Left Rearview Mirror: Adjust the left rearview mirror so that one-quarter of the car body is visible, with the horizon line positioned at the midpoint of the mirror. 2. Right Rearview Mirror: Adjust the inner side of the right rearview mirror to show one-quarter of the car body, with the horizon line occupying two-thirds of the mirror and the sky taking up the remaining third. Additional Information: The car's rearview mirrors, often referred to as the driver's 'second pair of eyes,' enhance visibility for driving and reduce blind spots.
I just passed my driving test at the driving school not long ago, so I remember it clearly. The key to adjusting the rearview mirrors of the test vehicle is to first sit properly in the driver's seat—adjust the seat to ensure your back and the steering wheel are comfortable, then fasten the seatbelt. Next, adjust the left rearview mirror: I turn that small lever to position the horizon in the lower middle part of the mirror, allowing me to see about 1/3 of the road surface and vehicles behind me, avoiding just seeing the sky or the car body. The right rearview mirror is similar, but since it's on the side of the car, make sure the view covers the lane and doesn’t miss blind spots. The center rearview mirror is simpler—just push it by hand to adjust the angle so the entire rear window is clearly visible. During the test, the examiner might randomly check this part. I messed up the adjustment a few times during practice, almost hitting the line while reversing into the parking space, so now I spend 30 seconds carefully adjusting them every time I get in the car. This not only helps you stay safe while reversing and changing lanes but also improves your chances of passing the test. Don’t underestimate this small detail—it’s a fundamental skill for the driving test.
As someone who has been driving instructor cars for a long time, I always emphasize practical methods when teaching students to adjust the rearview mirrors. First, fix the seat position and sit up straight; then proceed to adjust the mirrors—adjust the left mirror until you can see the road extending behind you, with the position of the rear car clearly visible. For the right mirror, pay attention to the side of the car body, adjusting the angle so the horizon is centered slightly lower, ensuring you can spot vehicles in the blind spot. The center mirror should be aligned with the center of the rear window. Don’t forget to bring a small towel to wipe off any smudges on the mirror before the driving test. The exam standards require the rearview mirrors to be unobstructed, avoiding views of only the car interior or the sky—I’ve seen many beginners lose points for this. After adjustment, maintain your sitting posture and quickly turn your head to check if the actual view matches the mirror’s reflection. Safe driving starts here—details make all the difference.
Having driven for over a decade, I deeply understand the practicality of rearview mirror adjustment. When taking the driving test, the first thing after getting in the car is to adjust the seat and sit firmly, then look at the left mirror—manually rotate the adjustment knob so that the road occupies the lower third of the mirror surface; the right mirror is similar, pay attention to the angle of the car body, seeing the adjacent lane is the safest. The center mirror should be leveled and aligned with the rear window. After adjusting, test drive a bit to confirm there are no blind spots interfering. I practiced repeatedly before the test, as this can help you handle parallel parking more accurately and quickly. Don’t forget that the driving test examiner will check this detail.
