Before you start driving, take a moment to check what you can see behind and around your car. Your rear-view mirror and side mirrors help you spot other vehicles, cyclists, and hazards. If they are not set correctly, you may miss something important when braking, changing lanes, or reversing.
For new drivers, checking mirrors can feel like one more thing to remember. However, it soon becomes part of a good driving routine. A few simple checks before each trip can help you feel more prepared and make safer decisions on the road.
Whether you are practising in a quiet Brisbane suburb or driving through busy city traffic, good rear visibility is an important part of safe driving.
Adjust Your Seat Before Checking Your Mirrors
Your mirrors will only give you a useful view if you are sitting in the correct position. Adjust your seat before setting them.
Sit upright with your back against the seat. You should be able to reach the pedals without stretching and hold the steering wheel comfortably. Make sure you can turn your head when needed without feeling restricted.
Next, check that your view through the rear window is clear. Headrests, luggage, and other items can block your view.
What to do:
Adjust your seat so you can reach the pedals safely.
Sit upright and keep a clear view of the road.
Check that the rear headrest is positioned correctly.
Move bags or other items that block your view through the rear window.
If you share a car with a parent or another driver, repeat these checks whenever you take your turn behind the wheel. A seat position that works for someone else may not work for you.
Set Your Rear-View Mirror Correctly
The rear-view mirror helps you see the road directly behind your vehicle. You will use it when checking traffic, slowing down, and preparing for some manoeuvres.
To adjust it, sit in your normal driving position and move the mirror until you can see as much of the rear window as possible. You should not need to stretch, lean, or move your head far to use it.
The mirror should show the road behind you, not mainly the roof or the back seats.
What to do:
Sit in your normal driving position.
Adjust the mirror to frame the rear window
Check that you can see approaching vehicles behind you.
Make sure you can glance at the mirror without taking your attention away from the road for too long.
Avoid adjusting your mirror while the car is moving. Set it before you leave so you can focus on driving.
Adjust Both Side Mirrors
Your side mirrors help you see vehicles approaching from behind and beside your car. They are especially useful when changing lanes, joining a motorway, or pulling away from the kerb.
Start with the driver's side mirror. Adjust it so you can see the road beside your car and the traffic behind you, with only a small part of your own vehicle visible.
Repeat this process for the passenger-side mirror. You may need to lean slightly towards the centre of the car when setting the passenger mirror, then return to your normal driving position to check the view.
What to do:
Set each mirror while sitting in your usual driving position.
Check that you can see the road beside and behind the car.
Avoid pointing the mirrors too far towards the body of the vehicle.
Make sure you are comfortable using all three mirrors.
Correctly adjusted mirrors can reduce blind spots, but they cannot remove them completely. Always check your blind spots by looking over your shoulder when it is safe and necessary, especially before changing lanes or moving away from the kerb.
Check for Anything Blocking Your View
Even well-adjusted mirrors cannot help if your rear window is dirty or blocked. Dust, rain, fog, and condensation can reduce visibility. This matters in Brisbane, where heavy showers and humid weather can affect what you see through your windows.
Before leaving, check that your rear window is clean and clear. If it is fogged up, use the demister and wait until you can see properly.
Also check that items in the boot or back seat are secure. Loose luggage can move during sudden braking and block your view.
What to do:
Clean your rear window when needed.
Use the rear demister if the glass is foggy.
Remove objects that block your view.
Check that the rear windscreen wiper works if your car has one.
Make sure your mirrors are clean and correctly positioned.
Never begin a trip if your rear visibility is too poor to drive safely.
Make Mirror Checks Part of Your Driving Routine
Setting your mirrors before driving is only the first step. You must also use them throughout your journey.
Check your mirrors regularly to understand what is happening behind you. Look before slowing down, braking, changing lanes, or moving towards the kerb. Before reversing, check all around the car and watch carefully for pedestrians, children, cyclists, and other vehicles.
Remember that mirrors show only part of the picture. You must also look through the windows and check blind spots when appropriate.
During driving lessons, ask your instructor to explain when to check each mirror. With practice, you will learn to check your surroundings without losing focus on the road ahead.
Practise Before Driving in Busy Brisbane Traffic
If you are learning to drive, practise your mirror checks on quiet roads before tackling busy intersections or motorways. Ask your instructor to observe your habits and point out when you need to check your mirrors.
As you gain experience, you will learn to combine mirror checks with signalling, speed control, and careful observation. This is especially useful when driving through busy Brisbane streets, where traffic can change quickly.
Good driving instructors can help you build these habits early, so you do not have to correct unsafe routines later. At No Yelling Driving School, learning to observe your surroundings is part of becoming a calm, confident, and responsible driver.
Before every trip, remember this simple routine: adjust your seat, set your mirrors, clear your windows, and check your surroundings. These small steps can help you start each drive with a clearer view and greater confidence.
