Maintaining effective observation throughout your driving life means that you will have less stress while driving and have less hazards to react to. Combining effective observation and forward planning you will find that sudden reactions will be few and far between.
When sitting your driving test you must not only use your mirrors frequently, but also use them correctly for each instance you may come across.
Many people say that they use their mirrors frequently, but if they do not check them at the correct time when a hazard may be developing then you will hear the famous: where did he come from?
Generally you are expected to check your mirrors every 10 to 15 seconds. The reason behind checking them so often is that you will be able to stay on top of where all other road users are in relation to you.
When a hazard or a developing hazard has been identified the first thing that needs to be done is checking the mirrors.
If you don't check the mirrors you will not know how close the vehicle behind you is.
Even if you have already checked the mirrors just before the hazard or developing hazard has been identified it is imperative that you check them again.
Checking the mirrors can be done in a couple of ways:
Remember that when checking your mirrors you do not want to take you eyes off the road in front of you for too long.