Safe Driving

How often should you check your mirrors while driving?

Quick Answer

You should check your rearview and side mirrors every 5-8 seconds while driving. This keeps you aware of surrounding traffic. Always check mirrors before braking, changing lanes, turning, or merging. Mirrors do not eliminate blind spots — always do a shoulder check before changing lanes.

Explanation

You should check your rearview and side mirrors every 5-8 seconds while driving. This keeps you aware of surrounding traffic. Always check mirrors before braking, changing lanes, turning, or merging. Mirrors do not eliminate blind spots — always do a shoulder check before changing lanes. Understanding this concept is essential for safe driving and will help you answer similar questions on the DMV written test.

Why This Matters on the DMV Test

Questions about Safe Driving are among the most common on the permit test. Knowing the correct answer helps you pass your exam and stay safe on the road. Most states require a score of 70–83% to pass.

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