Mirror adjustment — Iowa Permit Test

Sit up straight and adjust the inside mirror so it frames the entire rear window.

If the mirror shows the roof or a side window, you lose part of the road behind you.

Sit up straight in the driver’s seat and adjust the inside mirror so that it frames the entire rear window.

The inside mirror is the main mirror for seeing what is behind the vehicle.

Side mirrors show the lanes next to you, but the inside mirror shows the lane you are in.

This is the main mirror for viewing what is behind the vehicle.

To set the left mirror, lean your head toward the left window and set the mirror so you can barely see the side of the car.

Set this way, the mirror shows the lane next to you instead of your own car, which shrinks the blind spot.

Lean your head toward the left-side window, and set the left mirror so you can barely see the side of the car.

With the left mirror set correctly, your car should no longer be visible in it when you sit up straight.

Seeing your own car in the mirror wastes glass that could show a car in the next lane.

When sitting up straight, the car should no longer be visible in the mirror.

To set the right mirror, lean to the right over the center console and set it so you can barely see the right side of the car.

Leaning over first moves the mirror's view out into the next lane on the right, where cars hide.

Lean to the right over the car’s center console and set the right mirror so you can barely see the right side of the car.

You must be able to see at least 200 feet behind you in your rearview mirror.

Seeing far back gives you time to spot a fast car coming before you change lanes or slow down.

You must be able to see at least 200 feet behind you in your rearview mirror.

If a load blocks your view out the back, you must have an outside mirror.

With the back window blocked, the inside mirror shows nothing, so you need another way to see behind you.

If your view is blocked by a load, you must have an outside mirror.

Vans and van-type vehicles must have both left and right outside mirrors.

Many vans have no back window you can see through, so each side needs its own mirror.

vehicles must have both left and right outside mirrors.

How should you set the inside rearview mirror?

So it frames the entire rear window. If the mirror shows the roof or a side window, you lose part of the road behind you. Iowa Driver's License Manual, p.25: “Sit up straight in the driver’s seat and adjust the inside mirror so that it frames the entire rear window.”