Following on from previous subjects this is an often misunderstood part of the test. But what exactly does Mirrors Change speed mean.
Generally it is assessed when slowing down but it can also apply when accelerating.
It will not be assessed when you need to slow in an emergency or even when the lights change to Amber, it is more when you get to choose when to slow down.
For example you are asked to pull up at a safe or designated place. Without checking mirrors you apply left signal and pull up. Was anybody behind you before you slowed down? Do you know? The examiner will know. Based on what is there you will be assessed. With no mirror check you will not be assessed as No Fault so you leave yourself at the mercy of the gods.
Another example. You’re in a National speed limit but ahead is a 30 or 40mph speed sign. You see the sign late and brake in time. You feel great because you slowed in time but did you check the mirrors before you slowed down? The examiner did and again he assesses the situation.
Another one. You’re in a 30mph road and it changes to a 50mph. Without checking you accelerate but what you don’t notice is a car starting to overtake you. Because you accelerate he struggles to pass you and there’s traffic coming towards you.
Mirrors change speed is important for the above and many other reasons. It’s basic, check your mirrors before changing speed.
ROG:
Perhaps an easier thing to remember is - always know what is around you at all times
Massive +1
In the real world mirror observations take place constantly using peripheral vision (ever noticed how you look at exactly the same time as a vehicle does something, that’s your periphery noticing a change first) and a flick of the eyes to the right and a more meaningful look to the left for the nearside.
Knowing what’s behind you most if not all the time and if that close vehicle is going to attempt a dodgy overtake can save your skin and theirs.
Course for test purposes examiners need to see good mirror use and it’s always essential practice to see (not just look) what’s behind before a large planned speed reduction.
Like pulling into a busy layby from a dual carriageway, check mirrors indicate well in advance and hey presto you can now reduce speed a bit safely if any close traffic behind has buggered off and without hitting the layby full chat.
Checking mirrors again before final entry obviously.
I tell my students " before they do somethings different to what they are doing, check the mirrors before you do it" includes change of speed and direction and also before signal goes on which no doubt John will address this soon.
Just to add that it’s important to check mirrors before releasing the gas pedal, not just before braking. The first slowing effort comes from lifting off the gas, not from braking. Even more important as brake lights don’t come on because you’ve lifted off.
LGVTrainer:
It will not be assessed when you need to slow in an emergency or even when the lights change to Amber, it is more when you get to choose when to slow down.
If you have to brake hard for a change of lights and have not been carry out rear observational updates it should be marked in the mirrors change speed box.
People can, and do, argue it should be marked in the box for traffic lights and it certainly often is, to be honest your starting to look at a weight of fault at the top end depending on other factors, either way as has been reiterated looking, seeing and taking the appropriate action is what an examiner is ultimately looking for.
When pulling up on the side of the road for the legal test requirements of a test ( x2/3 normal stops, angled start) and the test desired stops ( uphill, downhill if possible) or indeed any of the other times when you need to speed up or down, if you didn’t use your mirrors then we are getting into the area of habitually faults which can lead to a serious fault being recorded. Contrary to popular believe there is no set amount of faults that an examiner has to reach before he marks, the decision is entirely upto them.
Something that can add weight to the decision to mark a serious habitual fault is poor use of mirrors at other times such as changing direction, even if only one or two driving faults are recorded in the other mirror boxes its showing an area that needs major attention.
