Understanding Blind Spots and How to Check Them Properly

You’re driving on a busy highway. You check your mirrors, start to change lanes, and suddenly horns blare. A car was right beside you, completely hidden from view. You never saw it. Why? Because it was in your blind spot.

Blind spots are the areas around your car that you can’t see with your mirrors alone. They’re real and they’re dangerous. No matter how skilled, every driver has to deal with car blind spots. The problem is, many people forget about them until it’s too late.

Knowing how to check blind spots can help you avoid crashes, protect other drivers, and feel more confident whenever you get behind the wheel. It helps you pass the DMV test, but more importantly, it helps you drive safely in real traffic.

Let’s break down what blind spots are and how to deal with them the right way.

What Are Blind Spots?

Every vehicle has areas you can’t see by just looking in the mirrors. These are called blind spots. They often hide right over your shoulders, on both sides of your car. You may also have a blind spot near the rear corners of your vehicle, especially if you drive something larger.

Car blind spots exist because mirrors don’t give you a full view of everything around you. A compact car may have smaller blind spots, while SUVs, vans, and trucks usually have larger ones. The bigger the vehicle, the more you need to watch out for.

Before you change lanes, turn, or merge, always check your blind spots. Even if your mirrors look clear, a car or cyclist could be hiding just out of sight. Learning how to check blind spots properly helps you avoid mistakes that can lead to serious trouble.

The Dangers of Ignoring Blind Spots

Most drivers don’t ignore blind spots on purpose. But a split-second decision without checking can cause real damage. If you miss someone in your blind spot, you could sideswipe them, cut them off, or worse. Many crashes happen when people assume the space beside them is clear.

Motorcycles, bicycles, and even small cars can disappear in car blind spots. If you move over without warning, these drivers may not have time to react. This is why checking is so important.

DMV test questions often ask about how to check blind spots correctly. But this is more than just test material. It’s something you need to use every time you drive. One quick glance could save a life.

How to Check Blind Spots Properly

Many drivers assume mirrors are enough, but blind spots still exist, no matter how well your car is set up. The good news is that checking them is quick and easy once you know what to do. If you make it a habit, you’ll feel more in control during lane changes, merges, and turns.

Use Your Mirrors First

Start with your mirrors. Your rearview mirror shows what’s directly behind you. Your left and right side mirrors help with nearby traffic, but don’t show everything. You still need to account for blind spots your mirrors can’t cover.

Do a Quick Shoulder Check

Before changing lanes or merging, turn your head briefly to glance over your left or right shoulder. This quick shoulder check reveals anything hiding in your car’s blind spots. Make sure to look before making any move. Even one missed car can cause a crash.

Keep Your Hands Steady

When you check your blind spot, stay calm and keep your steering straight. Don’t drift into another lane. Just a quick glance is enough. Stay focused on the road and maintain control of the wheel.

Make It a Habit

Practice this every time you change lanes, merge, or reverse. Over time, checking your blind spots becomes automatic. Train yourself to always check mirrors, then shoulders, before moving the car. It only takes a second but makes a huge difference.

DMV Test Tip

Many DMV test questions ask about how to check blind spots. The right answer always includes both mirror use and a proper shoulder check. Doing both shows you understand how to stay safe behind the wheel.

Adjusting Mirrors to Reduce Blind Spots

You can’t get rid of blind spots completely, but you can make them smaller by adjusting your mirrors correctly. Most drivers angle their side mirrors too far inward, which leaves large gaps in visibility.

One way to reduce car blind spots is by adjusting your side mirrors to show a wider view of the lanes next to you. To do this, sit normally in the driver’s seat and move the left mirror outward until you can no longer see the side of your car.

Then, shift slightly to the right so you’re lined up with the center of the vehicle, and adjust the right mirror the same way. This setup gives you better side coverage and helps close the gaps your mirrors normally miss.

Keep in mind, no mirror setup can eliminate all blind spots. You still need to glance over your shoulder before changing lanes or merging. Learning how to check blind spots properly means using both your mirrors and your eyes.

Blind Spot Monitoring Systems in Modern Cars

Many newer cars come with blind spot monitoring systems. These use sensors to detect vehicles in your car blind spots. A small light appears on your side mirror when something enters that space. Some systems even sound an alert if you try to change lanes while another vehicle is there.

These tools help you stay alert but do not replace safe driving habits. You still need to know how to check blind spots on your own. Always use your mirrors and do a quick shoulder check, no matter what tech your car has.

Final Thoughts

Blind spots are a real hazard, no matter what kind of vehicle you drive. Learning how to check blind spots properly helps you stay alert, avoid collisions, and drive with more confidence. It comes down to using your mirrors the right way, doing quick shoulder checks, and staying aware before making any move.

Remember, understanding car blind spots is more than just test material. It’s a key part of safe, responsible driving. Making this a habit can help you protect yourself and others whenever you’re on the road.

If you’re preparing for your DMV test or want to sharpen your driving skills, visit https://driver.education. You’ll find free practice tests, clear driving guides, and reliable tips to help you pass your test and build strong habits for the road ahead.