Mirrors & Seat Position
Before the vehicle moves, the driver should be positioned so they can see clearly, reach the controls, and maintain proper control of the vehicle.
A good seating position and properly adjusted mirrors reduce blind spots and help you recognize what is happening around your vehicle.
Steer Clear Tip:
Set yourself up before you set the vehicle in motion.
Take a few seconds at the beginning of every drive to check your seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and surroundings. A properly adjusted vehicle gives you a better chance to see hazards early and respond safely.
Start With Your Seat
Adjust the seat before putting the vehicle in motion.
Your position should allow you to:
Reach the pedals comfortably without stretching.
Pivot your heel smoothly between the brake and accelerator pedal.
Have a comfortable bend in your elbows when hands are at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 (as shown on the face of a clock).
Maintain a clear view through the windshield; your eyes should be at least 3” - 4” above the top of the steering wheel.
Sit upright with your back supported.
Keep enough distance from the steering wheel to allow comfortable steering and airbag protection.
See the entire instrument panel through the top portion of the steering wheel.
Do not position yourself so close to the steering wheel that you are crowded against it; your chest should be between 10” -12” from the steering wheel.
If multiple drivers use the same vehicle, the seat and mirrors should be checked and adjusted each time you drive.
Mirrors Do Not Eliminate Blind Spots
Even properly adjusted mirrors cannot show you everything around your vehicle.
Before changing lanes, merging, or making any other lateral maneuver where a vehicle could be beside you:
S.M.O.G. — Signal → Mirrors → Over the Shoulder → Go!
Use your mirrors to monitor traffic, but physically check the area your mirrors cannot show before moving into another lane.
Don't Forget to Keep Checking
Mirror use is not something you do only when changing lanes.
Good drivers regularly check their mirrors to stay aware of:
Vehicles approaching from behind
Vehicles following too closely
Traffic slowing or stopping behind you
Vehicles preparing to pass
Changing traffic conditions
Remember: It is your job to know what is happening around your vehicle, not just directly in front of it.
Adjust Your Mirrors
Your mirrors should be adjusted after your seat is in the correct position.
Rearview Mirror
Adjust the rearview mirror so you can see as much of the rear window as possible without moving your head.
The rearview mirror helps you monitor traffic directly behind your vehicle.
Side Mirrors
Adjust the side mirrors so they show the area beside and slightly behind your vehicle.
When seated upright, you should not see any of your vehicle. Only when you lean your head against your driver window, or over the center console, should you see a small portion of your own vehicle with the rear door handle in the lower, inside corner of the mirror.
The goal is to provide a wider view of the area alongside your vehicle and help reduce blind spots.
Tennessee Driver Resources
For the complete Tennessee rules and requirements, refer to the official Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual.
This Learning Center is intended as a supplemental educational resource. It does not replace the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Tennessee law, or instruction provided by a qualified driver education instructor.
Common Mistakes
1. Adjusting mirrors before adjusting the seat
If you move the seat afterward, your mirror settings may no longer provide the correct view.
2. Setting the side mirrors to see too much of your own vehicle
This reduces the amount of roadway visible beside you.
3. Relying only on mirrors when changing lanes
Mirrors are an important tool, but they do not replace checking your blind spot.
4. Driving with an uncomfortable seating position
If you are too close, too far away, too low, or unable to reach the controls comfortably, vehicle control can suffer.
5. Adjusting mirrors while driving
Set up your driving position before moving whenever possible.
Ready to become a safer, more confident driver?
Steer Clear Driver's Ed provides comprehensive driver education for new drivers throughout the Kingsport and surrounding East Tennessee area.