How to Adjust Your Mirrors
The final step of the DSSSM cockpit drill. Set your interior and door mirrors correctly so you have the clearest possible view around the vehicle.
Adjust your seat before touching the mirrors
Sit in your normal driving position with the seat, head restraint and steering wheel correctly adjusted. Only then should you set the mirrors.
Once the mirrors are set, avoid moving the seat unless you are prepared to adjust them again.
Seat position first → Interior mirror → Left door mirror → Right door mirror
Adjust each mirror in order
Use the steps below to create a clear rear view while keeping useful reference points around the car.
Interior rear-view mirror
Sit normally and hold the mirror by its edges to avoid leaving marks on the glass.
- Frame the entire rear window within the mirror.
- Keep your head in your normal driving position.
- Avoid leaning across while adjusting it.
- Use this mirror for the clearest view of traffic directly behind.
Left and right door mirrors
Adjust both side mirrors using the same basic rule so you can see following traffic and the road beside the vehicle.
- Keep the horizon around the middle of the mirror.
- Show only a small sliver of your own car at the inner edge.
- Do not point the mirrors too far towards the sky or the road.
- Check both mirrors from your normal seated position.
Aim for half road and half sky
The point where the road appears to meet the sky should sit close to the middle of the door mirror. This gives you a balanced view of approaching traffic and the road surface near the car.
Before you move away
Normal posture
Make sure all three mirrors are correct while you are sitting naturally, not leaning forwards or sideways.
Clear glass
Check that the mirrors are clean and free from condensation, water or anything that blocks your view.
Blind spots remain
Correct mirror adjustment reduces blind spots but does not remove them. Shoulder checks are still essential.
Keep the mirror checklist in your training folder
Use the printable recap between lessons until the setup becomes a natural part of your cockpit drill.
Mirror Adjustment FAQs
Why should I adjust my seat before my mirrors?
Your mirror angles depend on your seating position. Moving the seat afterwards changes what you can see and may increase the size of your blind spots.
How should I set the interior rear-view mirror?
Sit in your normal driving position and adjust the mirror until the entire rear window is framed within it. Hold the mirror by its edges to avoid marking the glass.
How much of my car should I see in the door mirrors?
You should see only a small sliver of your own car at the inner edge of each door mirror. This provides a useful reference point without wasting too much of the mirror view.
Where should the horizon appear in a door mirror?
The horizon should appear around the middle of the mirror, giving you a balanced view of the road and the area above it.
Do correctly adjusted mirrors remove blind spots?
No. Correct adjustment reduces blind spots, but it does not remove them completely. You must still use the appropriate shoulder check before moving off or changing position.
Continue through the learner driver guide
Review each lesson topic between drives and arrive ready to build on your progress.