Mirrors and Observation on the Driving Test
Observation heads the list of reasons people fail. The fix isn't looking more. It's looking at the right moment, and in an order you don't have to think about.
The order
The Rules of the Road uses the routine "mirror, signal, mirror, manoeuvre". The order matters: a signal tells others your plan, so you check what's around you before you give it.
When to check
- Before moving off: mirrors, then the blind spot over your right shoulder if you're pulling out to the right.
- Before signalling: every time, not only when you think someone's there.
- Before changing speed or direction: what's behind you decides how hard you can brake.
- Before changing lanes: mirrors don't show everything, so check the blind spot too.
Looking at junctions
When you're stopped at a junction, the looks that count are the ones right before you move. A look from ten seconds ago doesn't tell you what's there now. Look again, then go.
Reading what's ahead
Observation isn't only checking. It's working out what happens next: a parked car with its wheels turned, a cyclist approaching a pothole, a pedestrian at the kerb looking at their phone. If you spot it early, you can ease off in good time and don't have to brake hard.
Practise it
In the trainer you choose your checks in order, then the scene plays out. Check too early or skip one and the run stops and tells you why, which builds the sequence long before you're doing it at speed.