Visual checks and mirrors
Direct vision, indirect vision, blind spots: knowing when and how to check to avoid surprises.
Updated 13 June 2026
Three types of vision
Direct vision is what you see by looking directly through the windows, moving your head if necessary. Indirect vision is what you perceive through the mirrors (interior and exterior). Blind spots are areas invisible both in direct vision and in the mirrors: to neutralise them, you must turn your head.
Direct vision = looking through the windows. Indirect vision = mirrors. Blind spot = invisible zone, turn the head.
Where are the blind spots?
Blind spots are mainly on the sides of the vehicle, in areas not covered by the mirrors. A vehicle (motorbike, bicycle) can be in your left blind spot without appearing in your exterior mirror. There is also a significant blind spot below the rear window, particularly dangerous when reversing (low bollards, posts).
If you are alone and need to reverse towards a low obstacle, get out of the vehicle to check. Otherwise, ask a passenger to guide you.
When to check the interior mirror?
The interior mirror should be checked in four situations: before slowing down, before braking, before turning, and routinely every 7 seconds or so. It allows you to know what is happening behind you to anticipate your actions.
When approaching an amber traffic light, the interior mirror is crucial. If a lorry is following very closely (you can no longer see its wheels), sudden braking could cause a rear-end collision. In that case, it is preferable to proceed on amber.
When to check the exterior mirror and blind spot?
The exterior mirror and corresponding blind spot must be checked before turning, before overtaking, before changing lane, before swerving and before activating the indicator. Danger comes mainly from behind, which is why you must check before any change of direction or speed.
Before any lateral movement: interior mirror + exterior mirror + blind spot. Always in this order.
Example: changing lane to the right
First step: check the interior mirror then the right exterior mirror. Second step: turn your head to the right to check the blind spot (bicycles, motorbikes may be filtering between lanes). Third step: if all is clear, activate the right indicator and begin the lane change. Fourth step: check the interior mirror again to monitor traffic progression behind you.
Common mistakes
Not checking the blind spot is one of the most frequent and most dangerous mistakes. Another mistake: relying solely on mirrors when reversing without turning the head. Mirrors do not cover everything, and a low obstacle (bollard, child) can be completely invisible in the mirrors.
Technological aids (parking sensors, camera) never replace direct vision. Always turn your head when reversing.
Recap
- Direct vision (looking), indirect vision (mirrors), blind spots (turning the head).
- Blind spots: on the sides and below the rear window.
- Interior mirror: before slowing, braking, turning, and every 7 seconds.
- Exterior mirror + blind spot: before turning, overtaking, changing lane, indicating.
- Order: interior mirror, exterior mirror, blind spot, indicator, manoeuvre.
- Amber light + lorry very close behind = it is preferable to proceed.
- Aids (sensors, camera) never replace direct vision.
- When reversing, always turn your head to check the immediate surroundings.
Test yourself
To neutralise a blind spot, you must:
- ○Adjust the mirrors more widely
- ○Fit additional mirrors
- ✓Turn your head to check directly
- ○Slow down and sound the horn
Correct answer : Turn your head to check directly
How often should you check the interior mirror?
- ✓Roughly every 7 seconds
- ○Only before braking
- ○Only when you hear a noise behind
- ○Once a minute
Correct answer : Roughly every 7 seconds
Sources: Sécurité routière (securite-routiere.gouv.fr) and service-public.fr.