Observation on Mod 2 - When mirrors and when shoulder check

chupacabra · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 17 Jul 2015 Karma :

Hello All
In couple of days I have my Mod 2 exam and I’m not sure about couple of things.
One of them is when you should do the observation by checking mirrors, when by shoulder check and when both?
I’m a bit confused because I keep hearing different things from different sources (even from riding instructors!), regarding certain situations. For example:
1. When moving off from traffic lights
2. When moving to the side of your lane, before turning
3. When accelerating
Is there a general rule when to use each observation?

andyd87 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 01 Sep 2015 Karma :

I did my mod 2 a few weeks back and I was taught (and passed) on

mirrors at lights at maybe shoulder check if theres a bike lane or cars in lane next to you.

when moving to side of your lane to turn mirrors, indicator, and shoulder check just before moving over and again just before making the turn.

Just mirrors when accelerating from say a 40 to a nsl road.

I don't think you can do too many obs the examiner is looking for you to be safe on the road and aware of whats happening around you more than doing everything by the book (or at least thats how I found it) and if you think you might of missed one dont let it worry you too much I thought i'd failed mine early on doing 30 in a 20 but only got a minor for it as he said the rest of my riding was fine and I corrected my error pretty quickly.

Matt B · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 May 2012 Karma :

You will get many many different responses, each will be different so good luck working it out. Best off getting a definitive answer from your instructor who does this every day, rather than random internet bods who did a test once and now forgot it all Wink

As a rule of thumb mirrors are for changes in speed and lifesavers are for changing lane position.
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chupacabra · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 17 Jul 2015 Karma :

Thanks for advice.
As far as I remember my instructor was saying:
When it comes to turning left; before you move to the left side of your lane you do the shoulder check first (not even mirrors) especially for to check for bicycles and other motorbikes, then once you are near the kerb, you don't have to do the shoulder check when moving off (if you are close to the kerb, than nothing will overtake you on the inside anyway).
When you turn right, again; shoulder check before moving to the right side of your lane and before you turn, another shoulder check, to be sure that no one is overtaking you.
But I'm not sure now, that's why I'm asking.

If you are going to do shoulder check is there a need to check mirrors at all? How reliable is checking mirrors? I remember instructor on my CBT course telling me that the mirrors are useless (blind spots) and you are better off if you remove them and only do the shoulder check, even when pulling off traffic lights.

Also what is correct order in OSM\PSL routine?
Mirrors, Shoulder check, Signal, Manoeuvre or
Mirrors, Signal, Shoulder check, Manoeuvre?

trevor saxe-coburg-gotha · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :

roboff94 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 03 Jan 2015 Karma :

I did my mod 2 last week, and i made a note to check mirrors/shoulders when setting off from lights/stationary, moving across the lane, either to go around parked cars or pull in at the side of the road, at junctions and roundabouts, and everytime i went through a speedlimit change sign, as in going from a 60 to a 30 (or vice versa), check before you get to the sign.

To be honest i just used to check my shoulders rather than mirrors when setting off cause i think i was just moving my eyes rather than my head when doing mirrors, so it appeared as though i wasnt doing anything....

Thats what i was thinking through my test and i didnt get any faults for observations Very Happy

good luck!

Marclev · Nova Slayer Joined: 27 Jul 2015 Karma :

Marclev · Nova Slayer Joined: 27 Jul 2015 Karma :

pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

Keep it simple.

1. When moving off from traffic lights :
Left look right look. (lifesavers)

2. When moving to the side of your lane, before turning:
For turning, mirrors, signal, shoulder check, move over. For changing position, passing parked cars, cyclists etc, just a shoulder check before moving out, and before moving in.

3. When accelerating :
Any change of speed then check the mirrors. EG 30mph into a 40, check mirrors, get on the gas. 40MPH into a 30, mirrors and get off the gas.
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

What Matt and pinky said, I'll just chime in to remind you to ensure that your look-arounds are big and obvious. You're demonstrating that you're doing it, the examiner can't see through your eyes.

I deliberately say "look-arounds" rather than "shoulder check" or "lifesaver" because I think the distinction is specious and a bit spergy.

And don't fret, it's not a hard test and chances are that you'll pass it.
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