Mirrors or not?

[oriel dave]

This might be a stupid question..

When I ride I basically never use the mirrors - I always look behind me at any point where it is necessary to do rear observation. I feel comfortable doing this and it feels safer than using poxy mirrors.

Apparently when doing my test I could actually fail for this as the examiner might think I'm not watching the road ahead enough (doing restricted licence).

My understanding is you are 'supposed' to use mirrors before indicating / speeding up / slowing down , and to actually look around before changing position.

What about changing position within a lane, say to turn right?

Any advice on whether I have got this right / whether it matters would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Dave

[stinkwheel]

Do some lessons. There is a fixed 'mantra' of observations before every manouver you do. The examiner will be expecting to see this.

For example approaching a left turn: "Mirror, mirror, headcheck right, indicator, lifesaver left, move across, lifesaver left, turn, cancel indicator, headcheck left.".

If you want to pass your test, that's what you have to do.
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[Louise]

I dont use mirrors at all All tho I do check behind ect. But on the test its a must. Spesh when you pick up / drop speed check both mirrors first

[Duckyboos]

I use mine all the time - give a glance in each every fifteen seconds or so, not only when planning a manoeuvre. One glance doesn’t tell me how fast people are going or what direction they’re headed in, but over time, I can keep a running picture of what’s going on behind me. I’d find riding without mirrors very unsettling - I don't like nasty surprises when riding.

[repiV]

I like to use the mirrors a lot...I can't see much out of them on my Fazer though unless I move my arm out of the way. Might have to get them extended.
Good to know what's going on around you.

[timjim]

i never had any on my bike for about 6 months..never needed to till i moved jobs and started doing more motorway work..need eyes in back of my head!!i would suggest fitting them and using them for your test,then ditching them if you feel comfortable when youve passed.tim

[ncrn]

I like to use my mirrors, it tends to give me a sense of full observation of whats going along (twinned with shoulder checks and lifesavers)

But if you feel safe cool, good for you. But on your test you need to use them.

I was taught mirror, mirror, shoulder, indicator, adjust speed, shoulder, maneuver.

For a left turn this would be; right mirror, left mirror, left shoulder, indicator, adjust speed, left shoulder, maneuver.

I did the above every single time I turned or changed lane, and passed with one minor (for a neutral instead of second)
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[G]

Ages ago I crashed into the back of a car (old bike with poor brakes and tyres) from a prolonged shoulder check.

Mirrors are useful to keep your peripheral vision at least on the road ahead.

[Catalyst]

I've only got 1 mirror fitted........that's how it came.

I usually glance every so often just to see whats going on behind, it's a good indication of what their thinking or planning, always use them on roundabouts......cagers never seem to notice you indicating into the other lane

JJ
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[oriel dave]