How to Properly Adjust the Rearview Mirrors for Subject 2 Driving Test?
3 Answers
For vertical adjustment, position the mirror so that the sky and ground each occupy half of the mirror surface. For horizontal adjustment, adjust so that the car body occupies 1/4 of the mirror surface. For vertical adjustment, the ground should occupy 3/4 of the mirror area while the sky occupies 1/4. For horizontal adjustment, try to position the car body to occupy 1/4 of the mirror area. Generally, adjust so that your own mirror image is horizontally cut on the left side of the rearview mirror, but the driver should make further adjustments based on personal needs.
As an experienced driver, I believe adjusting the mirrors starts with sitting upright in the driver's seat—no slouching. For the Category 2 driving test, the focus is on the side mirrors: the left mirror should show just a sliver of your car's left edge (about a quarter of the mirror's width), with the horizon centered. This setup helps target the rear wheels during reverse parking. The right mirror follows a similar principle but needs more ground visibility—keep the car occupying about one-fifth of the view, ensuring the right rear wheel is visible to avoid blind spots. The rearview mirror is straightforward—adjust it to frame the entire rear window for a full lane view. The key is testing adjustments by simulating reverse or parallel parking moves until all blind spots vanish. Many beginners panic during tests, fixating on reference points while neglecting mirror settings, leading to misaligned cars unnoticed. Practice makes perfect. Arrive early on test day to fine-tune your mirrors—it's a safety-critical step that takes moments but impacts performance.
As a student who just passed the second driving test, my instructor emphasized the importance of correctly adjusting the rearview mirrors. After sitting in the driver's seat, first sit upright and avoid crossing your legs. The left mirror should show a small portion of the car body and the road edge line, with the car body occupying a small part of the mirror. This makes it easier to control the trajectory during S-curves. Adjust the right mirror slightly lower to display more of the ground and the outline of the rear wheels, otherwise, you might cross the line during parallel parking. Don't forget the interior rearview mirror; just align it with the center of the rear window. During the test, examiners pay attention to details. After adjusting, I move around and sit back to test: if the view remains unchanged without moving my head, it means the adjustment is correct. Remember to stay relaxed; don’t panic and adjust randomly, as incorrect mirror angles can affect overall operation. Practice more to develop good habits—safety is the top priority.
