
The standard for adjusting rearview mirrors during the driving test is as follows: When adjusting horizontally, ensure that the car body occupies 1/3 of the mirror's surface, and the door handle or the edge of the car is visible. When adjusting vertically, make sure the ground markings and reference points are visible. Shorter students may choose to use a few cushions, which are usually available in the training vehicle. Relevant information about the driving test is as follows: 1. Introduction: The driver's test (motor vehicle driver's test) is a qualification examination organized by the Vehicle Management Office of the Public Security Bureau. Only by passing the driver's test can one obtain a driver's license and legally operate a motor vehicle. The content of the motor vehicle driver's test is divided into the subject of road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge (also known as the "theoretical test", hereinafter referred to as "Subject 1"), the subject of field driving skills (commonly known as the "parking test", hereinafter referred to as "Subject 2"), and the subject of road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge (commonly known as the "road test", hereinafter referred to as "Subject 3"). The test content and passing standards are unified nationwide, with corresponding test items specified according to different types of vehicles. 2. Regulations: China's "Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates that driving a motor vehicle requires obtaining a motor vehicle driver's license in accordance with the law to gain legal driving qualifications. Those without legal driving qualifications are not allowed to drive motor vehicles on the road, otherwise, they will face severe penalties. Holders of a motor vehicle driver's license issued outside of China, who meet the driving license conditions stipulated by China's public security department and pass the assessment by the traffic management department of the public security authority, may be issued a Chinese motor vehicle driver's license. Those who meet the driving license conditions stipulated by China's public security department and wish to obtain a motor vehicle driver's license must first undergo driver training and then pass the examination by the traffic management department of the public security authority. Only after passing the examination can they obtain a motor vehicle driver's license.

I always tell driving school students that adjusting the rearview mirrors is crucial during the test. The standard is: first sit upright without leaning; the interior rearview mirror should display the entire rear window without any obstruction, ensuring a clear view of everything behind. The left rearview mirror should be adjusted so you can just barely see a tiny bit of the rear of the car, covering the side and rear. The right rearview mirror requires special attention to blind spots—for example, adjust it to see a bit of the curb to avoid dead zones. During the test, the examiner will often ask you to check the mirrors to confirm visibility, and failing to do so properly can result in failing the test. I remember last year, a student almost hit a cone while reversing because the mirrors weren’t adjusted. It’s no small matter—developing this habit makes driving much safer, especially in crowded cities where good visibility can prevent rear-end collisions and scrapes. Practice with different car models during training to get familiar and pass the test more easily. Don’t slack off; spend half a minute adjusting before each drive—it’ll save you a lot of trouble in the long run and might even save your life.

I just passed my driving test and I'm thrilled! I remember the examiner placed great emphasis on the standard for rearview mirror adjustment: the interior rearview mirror should ensure a full view of the rear window, so I adjusted it until the edges of the glass were clearly visible. The left side mirror was adjusted to just show a bit of the car's rear, eliminating blind spots on the side. The right side mirror was even more critical—it needed to show distant side areas like the curb, otherwise, blind spots could hide electric bikes or pedestrians. During practice, a friend failed the lane-changing test because the mirrors weren't adjusted properly. Before my test, I practiced numerous times, readjusting the mirrors every time I got in the car until the examiner nodded in approval. In truth, passing the driving test is just the beginning. When driving on your own, especially in rain or at night, clear mirrors can prevent accidents. I recommend new drivers try adjusting the mirrors on both driving school cars and their own vehicles to get used to the differences—practice makes perfect. Safety comes first, so don't skimp on this step.

When teaching your child to drive, I must remind you to remember the standard for adjusting the rearview mirrors: After sitting in the correct position, adjust the interior mirror to see the entire rear window without any blind spots; adjust the left side mirror to just show a small part of the car’s rear, while the right side mirror should cover more of the side to prevent blind spots. During the test, the examiner will check if you can fully see vehicles approaching from behind—failure to adjust properly will result in immediate point deductions or failure. I learned this the hard way when I overlooked this detail and had to postpone my test. Safety comes first when driving, and properly adjusted mirrors can prevent 80% of lane-changing accidents, especially in busy areas. Develop the habit of quickly checking the mirrors before each drive, and wipe them if they’re dirty. Don’t rush; doing it right step by step is more important.


