Will points be deducted for not adjusting the rearview mirror in Subject Three?

[CarolineMarie]

Subject Three will deduct five points for not adjusting the rearview mirror, as adjusting the rearview mirror is part of the preparation work after getting into the car for the exam. The quality of the rearview mirror adjustment also directly affects the subsequent exam operations. Below is a relevant introduction to the Subject Three exam: Meaning: Subject Three, also known as the Road Safety Driving Test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It is the abbreviation for the road driving skills and safe and civilized driving common sense test subjects in the motor vehicle driver's exam. Content: The Subject Three exam includes preparation before getting into the car, simulated lighting test, starting, driving in a straight line, shifting gears, changing lanes, pulling over, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, crossing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and driving at night.

[PaigeMarie]

In the driving test (Subject 3), adjusting the rearview mirrors is a mandatory step. When I took my driving test, the examiner clearly reminded me to check the vehicle's equipment before starting, including the position of the rearview mirrors. If you start driving without properly adjusting them as required, you will definitely lose safety points, usually around 10 points. Even a small mistake like this can lead to excessive deductions overall. I was nervous at the time and only focused on starting the car, so I didn’t adjust the mirrors correctly. The examiner immediately pointed it out and deducted points. Fortunately, I performed well in other sections and barely passed. The lesson here is: don’t panic when you get into the car. Take a few extra seconds to check if the rearview mirrors are properly adjusted for your height and line of sight. This minimizes blind spots and reduces risks. Make it a habit during practice so that it becomes natural during the test, avoiding unnecessary mistakes. Remember, safety preparations are a key scoring point—don’t lose points over minor oversights. In short, failing to adjust the rearview mirrors will definitely cost you points, so make sure to practice this thoroughly during mock tests.

[ConnorAnn]

From my observations as a driving examiner, the road test (Subject 3) strictly verifies the pre-driving preparation phase, with rearview mirror adjustment being a core inspection point. If candidates fail to adjust at designated moments—such as before entering the vehicle or when explicitly instructed during the test—it directly counts as a deduction, typically costing 5 to 10 points. Such details significantly impact pass rates. The rationale is straightforward: properly adjusted mirrors help drivers monitor blind spots in real time, reducing accident risks, and the test prioritizes safety. Whenever I notice candidates hastily skipping this step, I mark the deduction on scoring sheets and verbally suggest improvements. My advice to all test-takers is to practice this repeatedly during mock sessions to ensure proficiency—don’t waste precious points here, especially given stringent total score limits where every point matters. Cultivating safe driving habits starts with exam preparation; proper equipment setup is foundational to demonstrating competent driving.

[Marlene]

As a driving instructor, I always remind my students: Adjust your mirrors as soon as you get in the car—never skip this step! In the Category 3 driving test, this is a fixed scoring item. If examinees neglect or casually handle this task, the examiner will record it as a violation, deducting 5 points or more, which could easily push you to the edge of failing. The key is ensuring clear visibility to avoid issues during turns or lane changes. I emphasize repeatedly in my teaching: Spend an extra 15 seconds before starting to check the angles—the interior mirror should frame the center of the rear window, while the side mirrors should clearly show the target areas on both sides of the lane. Developing this habit makes passing the test easier; skipping it increases the risk of point deductions and affects confidence. Practice several times to build muscle memory—remembering this small detail can boost your overall score.