Timing
Before taking this lesson, please read and agree to our Terms and Conditions
Knowing when to look into your mirrors is just as important as actually checking them. If you’re changing lanes on a dual carriageway, for example, there’s little point in checking your mirrors after you’ve started to move! But there’s more to it than that.
As I’ve mentioned previously in this lesson and, indeed, in several other lessons, the key to good driving, at any speed, is planning ahead. A critical point of planning ahead is checking your mirrors at the right time.
Lets take for example, travelling along a busy and fast dual carriageway. It's nearest you’ll get to a motorway before passing your test - so find one if you can, it’s good practice and they may well take you on one on your test.
Because of the greater speed on dual carriageways, you will need to look further ahead. As soon as you see a vehicle you may need to overtake, however far ahead it is - even a mile if you can see that far, check your interior mirror. What’s happening behind? Is it clear? Or is it busy? Is it clear near you but you can see fast traffic approaching that will be near when you want to move out?
This kind of planning helps you to adjust your speed well in advance so you don’t end up having a last minute panic trying to find space to move out. As you approach the vehicle you are going to overtake, check your mirror several times. Look for a convenient and safe space in the traffic which will allow you to move out in good time. When the time is right, signal and make the move.
So, when is the time right? It’s right when you are not going to cause anyone to slow down or change direction. This is why you have a mentor next to you - to help you gain experience of such decisions.
See how important the timing of your mirror checks are? The examiner will look for this.
Now let’s look at a completely different type of driving - town centres. Try to have a mirrors lesson in a busy town.
Here there are many different hazards which will cause you to check your mirrors - mainly because of the likely need to slow down. Things to watch for include pedestrian crossings (see lesson 11), pedestrians running out, cyclists, busy junctions and much, much more. Practice spotting these hazards as early as possible and check your mirror in case you need to slow.
