Rear-View and Side Mirrors
The centre rear-view mirror (control 1) and side mirrors (control 3) must be checked first, before any change of speed, direction or braking — the manual’s core ‘mirrors first’ instruction. The motorcycle equivalent is the mirrors (control 3). Underpins safe Overtaking and lane changes.
Evidence note: Official NaTIS Section 3 numbered control.
evidence_strength: confirmed.
Purpose
Let the driver see traffic to the rear and sides to build awareness before acting.
When used
Checked BEFORE changing speed, direction or braking — the manual’s standing rule.
Risks of incorrect use
- Blind-spot collisions
- Unsafe lane changes
Question patterns
- “Which control performs function X?” — component identification.
- Distractor trap: Checking mirrors after manoeuvring instead of before.
Ontology Rear-View and Side Mirrors [part-of] Vehicle Controls
Connections
- Vehicle Controls — part_of_topic, source: 2026-06-28
- NaTIS Learner Driver Manual — derived_from_source, source: 2026-06-28