What to Do If You Can't See Clearly Through the Rearview Mirror During the Driving Test (Subject 2) on a Rainy Day?
3 Answers
When you can't see clearly through the rearview mirror during the driving test (Subject 2) on a rainy day, the solution is to wipe the mirrors clean before getting in the car if the rain is not too heavy, and rely more on the interior rearview mirror instead. Below is some relevant information about car rearview mirrors: 1. Interior Rearview Mirror: The interior rearview mirror allows the driver to confirm the situation behind without significantly shifting their forward line of sight. 2. Exterior Rearview Mirror: Passenger cars usually mount the exterior rearview mirrors on the doors. 3. Under-Mirror: This mirror enables the driver to see areas outside the front and rear wheels beneath the car body from the mirror directly in front of the driver's seat. It helps the driver spot people or obstacles near the wheels and the car body when reversing or starting forward, preventing injuries, damage to objects, or vehicle harm, providing convenience and safety to the driver.
I've been driving for 20 years and often encounter blurry rearview mirrors during rainy exams. The key is to be well-prepared—keep a clean towel in the car beforehand and carefully wipe the rainwater off the mirrors before getting in, which makes a big difference. If you don’t have a towel, tissues can work, but be careful not to leave debris that could obstruct your view. During the Subject 2 test, if the mirrors aren’t clear, stay calm and rely more on reference points along the car body and side window observations—for example, when reversing into a parking space, check the angle between the ground lines and the car body. I recommend checking the weather forecast the day before the exam; if the rain is too heavy, try rescheduling to avoid risks. Also, make sure the rear window defogger is turned on, and if available, use mirror heating. Test centers usually offer assistance—you can ask staff to help clean the mirrors. For regular maintenance, applying soapy water or a dedicated anti-rain spray to the mirrors can prevent water droplets from lingering. Remember, safety comes first. With enough practice, you won’t fear making mistakes even in rainy exams.
I just passed my driving test last year, and the second subject was taken on a heavy rainy day. The rearview mirrors were completely blurred by the rain, which was really frustrating. The instructor taught me a clever trick: just wipe them with a tissue, and they’ll clear up immediately. Before getting in the car, I would secretly bring a microfiber cloth to give them a quick wipe. During the test, don’t rely too much on the mirrors; instead, use the side windows more to spot reference points, like checking the door handle position for parallel parking. The examiner won’t object if they see you wiping the mirrors—sometimes they might even help. Another small tip is to spray a diluted dish soap solution in advance; once dry, it works well for repelling water droplets. Practice simulating rainy conditions during training to get familiar with the environment. The test is stressful, but mirror issues aren’t a big deal—just stay calm. Fellow drivers suggested installing rain guards, but modified parts aren’t allowed during the test, so it’s all about manual cleaning.
