Level 1: The Basics

How to Adjust Your Mirrors

The final step of your DSSSM cockpit drill. Set your view for safety.

Crucial: Seat First

Never adjust your mirrors until your seat position is perfectly set. If you move your seat later, your mirror angles will be incorrect, creating dangerous blind spots.

1

Interior Rear-View Mirror

Sit in your normal driving position. Hold the mirror by the edges (to avoid finger marks on the glass) and adjust it until you can see the entire rear window.

Pro Tip: Frame the window like a picture.

[Image: View through an interior mirror perfectly framing the rear window]
2

Door Mirrors (Left & Right)

For both side mirrors, you should aim for the Horizon Rule. This ensures you can see both following traffic and the road surface near your car.

  • ✅ Vertical: The "horizon" (where the road meets the sky) should be in the middle of the mirror.
  • ✅ Horizontal: You should see a tiny sliver of your own car in the edge of the glass (this gives you a point of reference).
[Image: Side mirror showing the "horizon line" in the middle and a sliver of the car body]

Download the Checklist

Keep a copy of the mirror settings in your training folder.

Download PDF Recap