Tennessee Permit Practice Test

How often should you check your mirrors while driving?

1. Every 15 seconds

2. Only when changing lanes

3. At least once every few minutes

4. Checking is unnecessary

The correct answer is: Every 15 seconds

Regularly checking your mirrors while driving is essential for maintaining awareness of your surroundings and ensuring safety on the road. The recommendation to check your mirrors every 15 seconds helps to keep track of other vehicles, pedestrians, and any potential hazards around you. This practice allows drivers to make informed decisions regarding speed, distance, and lane changes, ultimately improving reaction times and reducing the risk of accidents. While checking mirrors only when changing lanes may seem sufficient, it neglects the importance of ongoing situational awareness, which can lead to dangerous blind spots or missed critical information about the environment. Additionally, checking mirrors at least once every few minutes can provide a helpful cue; however, such intervals may not be frequent enough during variable driving conditions, like heavy traffic or changing weather. The idea that checking mirrors is unnecessary goes against safe driving practices, as it inhibits the driver's ability to remain alert and aware of everything that is happening around them.