To see objects in their blind spot when changing lanes, drivers should check:
- Only the left outside mirror.
- Over their left or right shoulder. ✓
- Only the inside rearview mirror.
Answer: B. Over their left or right shoulder.
Look over your left or right shoulder out of the side window to see objects in your blind spot before changing lanes.
Why this is the answer
The handbook defines blind spots as areas around the vehicle you cannot see by looking straight ahead or using the mirrors. For most vehicles, they sit at the sides, slightly behind the driver. It says to check them by looking over your right and left shoulders out of the side windows, turning only your head, not your whole body or the steering wheel. It lists changing lanes among the times to check blind spots, so a shoulder check is the method that matches the rule.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Only the left outside mirror. — Looking only in the left outside mirror leaves the blind spot the handbook describes, because mirrors alone do not let you see those areas.
- C. Only the inside rearview mirror. — The inside rearview mirror does not show the side areas slightly behind you that the handbook calls blind spots.
Remember it
Do a shoulder check with your head only; mirrors cover behind you, not the spot beside you.
Official handbook: California Driver Handbook (DL 600), Section 8: Safe Driving, p. 58