Learning to Drive How often do I need to check my mirrors? Keeping it simple How often do I need to check my mirrors? Is one of the questions we get asked a lot by clients who are learning to drive and preparing for their driving test. Most clients are disappointed when I explain that there is no magic formula or checking every few seconds! Why do you need to check your mirrors? • When answering this question, I often ask another “Why do you need to check your mirrors?” • If you have been studying for your theory test you will know that you should check your mirrors to identify and be able to react to any hazards on the road So what is the right answer? You should check your mirrors regularly, how regularly depends on the environment you are in and the hazards around you. Checking regularly allows you to keep yourself and others safe and allows you to have time to plan to safely avoid or react to any hazards. You should always check you mirrors before turning. Especially now as the responsibility lies with the driver to keep pedestrians and other road users safe. So what is the right answer? To summarise you need to check • As many times as you need to Check them whenever you spot a hazard on the road and think you might need to do something. On your driving test On your driving test we suggest that you really look at your mirrors, don’t just glance at them out of the corner of your eye. This will make it clear to the examiner that you are checking the mirrors. If you are still not sure talk to your driving instructor. They are there to help you become a safe driver for life, not just to help you pass your driving test.