How Do You Check Your Blind Spots While Driving?

According to the Ontario Driver's Handbook, a blind spot is an area around your vehicle that you cannot see in your mirrors. Every vehicle has blind spots on both sides, roughly from the rear of the vehicle to just behind the driver's shoulder. A vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian can be completely hidden in your blind spot. Mirrors alone do not cover these areas, which is why a physical head turn is necessary.

The correct technique for checking a blind spot involves a deliberate head turn:

You must check your blind spots in these situations while driving:

According to Ontario driving examiners, missing blind spot checks is the single most common reason for failing the G2 and G road tests. The examiner watches specifically for the head turn before every lane change and turn. Many students only check their mirrors, which is not sufficient. The examiner needs to see a clear, deliberate head movement over the shoulder. If you miss even one blind spot check during a critical manoeuvre, it can be recorded as a serious error.

The key is practice until the head turn becomes automatic. Start by consciously checking your blind spot every time you signal, even in low-traffic situations. Practice during every driving lesson and every time you drive with your accompanying driver. Some instructors recommend saying 'mirror, signal, blind spot' as a verbal cue each time you prepare to change lanes or turn. Within a few weeks of consistent practice, the blind spot check becomes a natural reflex that you do without thinking.