Driving Essential Skills: Mirrors

Through ADI Network’s partnership with Intelligent Instructor+, we are dedicated to providing free, high-quality professional development and ongoing driving instructor training every month.

This month, we’re thrilled to share a fantastic video from Philip Cowley from Inspire Instructor Training. In this video, Philip breaks down the crucial role of mirrors in driving, offering practical strategies to help learners master mirror use, develop situational awareness, and build the confidence needed for safer, more independent decision-making on the road.

What you'll take away

This video will equip you with the skills and confidence to:

1. Highlight the critical role of mirrors in driving safety and decision-making, moving beyond routine checks to instill a deeper understanding of their importance in defensive driving.
2. Teach learners how to adjust and use mirrors effectively, including the differences between flat and convex mirrors, the purpose of anti-dazzle features, and the best methods for personalizing mirror settings.
3. Promote greater learner awareness by focusing on behaviors rather than actions, encouraging learners to analyze the behavior of other road users and anticipate potential hazards.
4. Instill the habit of checking blind spots and mirrors naturally, emphasizing the importance of safety over procedural routines, and using creative techniques to make lessons more engaging.
5. Integrate the MSPSL routine seamlessly into lessons, focusing on real-world applications and using reflective questioning to help learners improve their decision-making and hazard assessment skills.