What is the optimal position to adjust the rearview mirror for Subject 3?
5 Answers
For Subject 3, adjust the rearview mirror so that the door handle is at the intersection of the 'midpoint vertically and the one-third line near the vehicle side.' Here are the relevant details: 1. Left and right position adjustment: Generally, you should not see yourself in the central rearview mirror, while the vertical position should place the distant horizon at the center of the mirror. 2. Adjustment key points: Keep the horizon level in the middle and position your left ear on the left edge. This means placing the distant horizon along the centerline of the central rearview mirror and then adjusting left and right so that the image of your right ear appears at the left edge of the mirror. 3. Friendly reminder: Rearview mirrors are crucial for driving, and proper adjustment helps reduce blind spots. This is essential for achieving good results in the Subject 3 exam.
I pay special attention to rearview mirror adjustment while driving, as it directly relates to test safety and daily driving. When adjusting the interior rearview mirror, ensure a full view of the rear windshield with the sky and ground each occupying half of the field of vision. The key to adjusting the side mirrors lies in minimizing blind spots—position the horizon between the vertical midpoint and one-third of the mirror height, with only a quarter of the car body visible. This setup allows you to see the curb during parallel parking and clearly observe approaching vehicles when changing lanes. Remember to adjust the mirrors only after fixing your seating position, and never reach out to adjust them while driving during the test, as it will result in point deductions. Properly adjusted rearview mirrors give you more confidence when changing lanes and overtaking.
As someone who has taken the driving test three times, I have a lot to say about rearview mirror adjustment. First, sit up straight after adjusting the seat. The right mirror should show the rear door handle at the bottom edge, while the left mirror should have the handle appear at the lower right corner. During the test, make sure you can see three lanes after adjustment, so you can check the side and rear without turning your head. Our instructor always emphasizes that the mirror angle should cover a 45-degree area behind the car, helping you spot sudden e-bike appearances. Don’t forget to wipe the mirrors on rainy days—water droplets can severely distort your vision.
Adjusting the rearview mirrors follows two simple principles: ensure you can see the complete vehicle in the adjacent lane while keeping your own car's reflection within 1/4 of the mirror surface. For the left mirror, position the horizon slightly above the center. Since the right mirror is farther from the driver, adjust the horizon to the upper third of the mirror. Before the test, spend 30 seconds adjusting your seat to a fixed position before setting the mirrors for the most stable view. During the driving test (Subject 3), the examiner will specifically check if you observe road conditions through the rearview mirrors. Properly adjusted mirrors make it especially clear to see the tires and curb during parallel parking.
There's a simple rhyme for rearview mirror adjustment: the left mirror shows half sky and half ground with the car body, while the right mirror displays three parts sky and seven parts ground to reveal the outline. In practice, sit upright and adjust until you can just barely see the side of your car, ensuring the widest field of view. Pay special attention to exam cars as their mirrors may be loose—after adjusting, gently tap the frame to confirm stability. Remember to activate the mirror heating function on rainy days, as raindrops can cause refraction errors. Develop the habit of scanning all three mirrors at red lights; the parallel parking test in driving exam heavily relies on precise rearview mirror angles.
