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Rules of the road · about 2 min read

Mirrors, blind spots and a clear windscreen

Understand the rule, its conditions and how to apply it

What you will learn

  • Explain the purpose of this rule.
  • Apply the procedure and recognise its limitations.

Purpose and essential terms

Mirrors show parts of the road behind and beside the vehicle. A blind spot is an area you cannot see adequately in those mirrors from the driving position. A motorcycle, car, van and truck have different view limitations; bigger mirrors do not eliminate every hidden area.

The windscreen, side view and mirror views must not be blocked by luggage, stickers or objects. Adjust your seat and mirrors while stationary. A clear view is a basic condition of safe vehicle control.

Key idea: Mirrors show parts of the road behind and beside the vehicle.

How to apply the rule

Before changing direction, check the relevant mirrors and then the blind spot for the intended movement. Keep control of the vehicle while making a brief direct check. Repeat observation if you have waited or the situation changes. A camera or parking sensor supplements observation; it does not prove every area is clear.

Keep the windscreen sufficiently clear for safe driving. Check that wipers clear the outside directly in front of the driver evenly and adequately. Use the washer and demisting equipment correctly. If the screen cannot be kept clear in rain or condensation, stop in a permitted safe place instead of continuing with a restricted view.

Key idea: Stay in the current lane: it may be beside you in a blind spot.

Conditions and easily confused points

An interior mirror may be useless when a load or vehicle body blocks the rear view. The manual describes additional exterior mirrors for that situation. Never assume the same mirror setup suits all vehicles.

The reference windscreen requirement includes safety glass and at least 70% visible-light transmission for light vehicles. An attractive tint or a clear patch in an otherwise obstructed screen does not establish compliance.

Key idea: Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.

Worked road situation

A vehicle disappears from your side mirror while you prepare to change lanes.

  1. Stay in the current lane: it may be beside you in a blind spot.
  2. Make a controlled direct check of the relevant area.
  3. Move only after the intended lane and space are confirmed clear.

Quick recap

  • Stay in the current lane: it may be beside you in a blind spot.
  • Make a controlled direct check of the relevant area.
  • Move only after the intended lane and space are confirmed clear.

Practice questions on mirrors, blind spots and a clear windscreen

1 May a bulky object block your view through the windscreen?

  1. No, the driver needs a clear view
  2. Yes, if mirrors are fitted
  3. Yes, during daylight
Show the answer

Answer A: No, the driver needs a clear view

You need a clear view ahead and to both sides, and mirrors that show traffic behind. A windscreen must provide enough visibility for safe driving. Wipers must clear the outside of the windscreen directly in front of the driver adequately.

Memory tip: If you cannot see clearly, you cannot drive safely.

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2 What is the purpose of rear-view mirrors?

  1. To provide a view of traffic behind
  2. To replace looking ahead
  3. To show your speed
Show the answer

Answer A: To provide a view of traffic behind

You need a clear view ahead and to both sides, and mirrors that show traffic behind. A windscreen must provide enough visibility for safe driving. Wipers must clear the outside of the windscreen directly in front of the driver adequately.

Memory tip: If you cannot see clearly, you cannot drive safely.

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3 Which part of the windscreen must a wiper clear adequately?

  1. Only the inside surface
  2. Only the passenger side
  3. The outside directly in front of the driver
Show the answer

Answer C: The outside directly in front of the driver

You need a clear view ahead and to both sides, and mirrors that show traffic behind. A windscreen must provide enough visibility for safe driving. Wipers must clear the outside of the windscreen directly in front of the driver adequately.

Memory tip: If you cannot see clearly, you cannot drive safely.

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4 What is the main safety requirement for a windscreen?

  1. Enough visibility for safe driving
  2. A decorative strip across the whole view
  3. A dark tint at all times
Show the answer

Answer A: Enough visibility for safe driving

You need a clear view ahead and to both sides, and mirrors that show traffic behind. A windscreen must provide enough visibility for safe driving. Wipers must clear the outside of the windscreen directly in front of the driver adequately.

Memory tip: If you cannot see clearly, you cannot drive safely.

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More rules of the road chapters

Sources: NaTIS Rules of the Road, PDF pp. 22–23, 25–26, sections 6.11, 6.19–6.20; iDriving K53 manual, PDF pp. 91–102 (comparison; incomplete text extraction checked against official reference).

AceK53 is an independent study aid based on public road traffic manuals and is not an official test. Always confirm requirements with your driving licence testing centre.