Blind Spot Checks - DMV Test Tips
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- čas přidán 4. 06. 2024
- Checking blind spots is one of the most important aspects of safe driving, yet many drivers do blind spot checks incorrectly, or worse yet, fail to do them altogether! Whether you're a driver in training getting ready to take your DMV drive test, or you're a seasoned driver with many miles under your belt, making regular blind spot traffic checks is a must. Join expert driving instructor Micah from Drivers Ed Direct as he looks over his shoulder and breaks down how to perform blind spot checks properly.
In other words: Over the Shoulder Checks Are So Important!
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From Micah and everyone at Drivers Ed Direct, thank you for watching!
#driverseddirect #blindspots #dmvtest #instructorMicah #learntodrive #shoulderchecks
I took the “head over the shoulder” too literally and looked almost behind me sometimes. Glad people are clarifying
Thanks for sharing Gavin, sounds like you've got it now - stay safe out there!
@@DriversEdDirect I passed my test today and I could’ve lost points if I did it the way I did. Thanks, I’ll be safe
@@gavinbecker1952 CONGRATS to you on passing!! We'll see you out on the road, Gavin!
Me too!
This really clarifies it. I was turning all the way around.
Thank you, now you got it! Quick chin-to-shoulder blind spot checks are all you really need! As you probably learned the hard way, fully turning all the way around takes your eyes off the road ahead for too long, and it also increases the chance you will drift out of your lane. Thanks for the feedback, stay safe out there!
Omg me too😅
Me too & felt dangerous taking my eyes off the road
Not all heroes wear capes. Very concise and detailed video about blind spot and shoulder check. Really appreciate you demonstrating the blind spot with the cone too at 1:22. 👍
Thanks for that very kind feedback, we appreciate you!!
You're great. I like how calm you are when you explain things and you give good detail rather than a hurried explanation. Thank you so much.
Thank you for that nice comment, we appreciate it!
Finally. I took my 1st road test & he kept yelling at me to check my blind spots and i couldn’t figure out how and when and why he kept saying it so thank you so much for this video.
Sorry you got yelled at, that is never fun! Glad our video helped, we wish you better luck next time!!
@@DriversEdDirect i was studying this video all of last night, took my test this morning & passed. This channel is truly a god send!
just fyi: when i took my dmv test, i rented a fancy, newer version car with all the technology: blind spot checker, parking sensor, etc. my dmv intructor actually asked me to turn off all these technologies before we did the test.
Thanks Angel, that is great information and very true! Some DMV examiners even cover up the back-up camera when you are reversing - they really want to make sure you can safely operate a vehicle without the aid of a lot of the newer technology that isn't found on every car you may drive. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for this video. I am a new driver and got my car a week and a half ago. I made a really big mistake today, I was lucky the car behind me was paying attention... I merged to my left lane and a car was in my blind spot. No accident luckily. But it was a major mistake and now I am terrified as to why I didn't think to check my blind spot. I just checked my mirrors and decided to go, but obviously I need to rethink again... this video is really helpful!
Thank you for sharing your story, definitely a needed reminder for all of us about how important blind spot checks are! So glad to hear that you didn't get into an accident, and thankful that you are able to learn from the mistake. With an attitude like that, you will be a great defensive driver sooner than later! Stay safe out there and thanks for your support!!
It’s actually pretty good that they make sure that we can check our blind spots by ourselves because just recently my mother got into an accident with someone who over relied on their car to tell them what was in their blind spot.
Yes, that is very true, thanks for sharing! While technology can definitely help and assist us, we still need to drive intelligently and do all of the proper traffic checks. Hope your mother is doing okay!
We’re fine, thankfully my mother was noticed her a while back and was able to pull to the left enough to end up with just a long scratch on the side of the passenger doors but no major damage.
Thank you for being so calm when explaining. It eased my worries
Thanks Layla, so glad to hear you say that. Best of luck to you!
Excellent...Thank you! I'm a fairly new driver and blind spots caught me off guard. Did not know there was such a thing until I started driving. They don't teach this.
Thank you for watching and glad we could help you learn about blind spots! As you are finding out, checking them is very important. Stay safe out there!
Bro my first test failed cuz I forgot to do this when getting out of parallel parking. Woulda passed otherwise. Second test, I just forgot to turn off the ebreak. But either way both examiners sounded rude and looked very judge mental, wish I had someone like you. Third time is a charm, this Thursday
Thanks Nathaniel. Like you said, third time's the charm, you got this! Let us know how it goes.
this is what i have been looking for.. thanks for the info. God bless you
Thank you so much, Kevin & Shekay! Glad you found our Blind Spot video helpful, we appreciate the feedback always. Happy Driving!
I did my roadtest the first time and I had an automatic fail because I didn’t do enough shoulderchecks
Thanks for sharing, Qetsia! Yeah, checking over your shoulder is definitely one of those things that the DMV looks for on your test. Plus shoulder-checks are important for a long life of safe driving. Hopefully you pass your second drive test!
Same here! Just today!
@@magdieldesalas2600 Thanks for sharing Magdiel! We've got to check those blind spots ALWAYS!
@@DriversEdDirect Thank you again. They didn’t stress that in my country.
What do you mean? Shoulder checks when you change lanes, or the cautious kind of left right or rear view check?
Really great video. I find it very annoying how there is not much videos out there like this explaining things simply, calmly and in detail. Most of them are haughty, arrogant and annoying and/or don't go into details at all. Nice to know there are great videos like this for idiots like myself, that need a detailed explanation for things that most people can do without much problem. Thank you 😄
PS. I haven"t checked your channel yet so I don't know, but in case you didn't could you make a video about your experience with or tips for people with adhd it would be greatly appreciated.😊
Thank you for your kind words, we appreciate it!! A video with tips for drivers with ADHD would be beneficial, I will add it to our list! Thanks!
Great video! Thank you!
Thanks Abigail!
I actually love this guy, this is awesome
Thanks so much, we love Micah too!
Super helpful! Thank you!
You're welcome!
I love watching your videos. You explain very good.
Thank you and so glad you like them!
Best explanation I saw here thank you so much
Thank you Anna!
Best video ever! Good job sir!
Thank you, we appreciate those kind words!
I have my drivers test today at 3pm! Thanks for your video. Very helpful because I wasn’t sure how often I should be checking my blind spots. Wish me luck😬🙌🏼☺️
Thanks for sharing and let us know how it goes. You got this Alyssa!
I passed everyone! I was more nervous then I should of been. For anyone in Phoenix I went to the south mountain dmv and the first thing you do is the 3 point turn. If you pass that you move onto the driving part. We did a few stop signs, turned right and turned left at an intersection, so practice that and lane changing. This video was helpful on when to check my blind spots so thank you! Good luck to everyone near and far, I believe in you☺️
@@alyssachilds5352 Thanks again for letting us know how it went, and keep up that great attitude of yours! Congrats on taking home that license!!
Thank you for sharing this tips , I am practicing for my test
Thank you Miriam, best of luck to you!!
this helps so much thank u!!!
Thank you, glad we could help!
THANK YOU. I ALWAYS THOUGHT I HAD TO LOOK BACK AT THE BACK PASSENGER WINDOW. Thank you so much for this clarification because i would start to steer off into the other lanes.
Thanks for the kind words - so glad we could help clarify this for you! You are exactly right - staring completely behind you takes your eyes off the road ahead of you for too long, which is so dangerous and leads to drifting into other lanes. Thanks for sharing!!
Nice illustration of the blind spot and why we need to check it.
Thank you, Nivedita!
Very helpful video thank you 🙏
Thank you so much Nicky, please be safe out there!
I love the way you explain things, as in what one could do wrong in spite of of the rules taught in the school.
Appreciate that feedback, thanks for watching!!
Millions thanks.
You're welcome (times a million)!
I needed to learn this 😭🥺 thank you
Thank you so much for all of your support!
This Channel is great! Very informative! I subscribed immediately.
Thanks for the subscribe Aria! We really appreciate your support 🙏
I failed my first test due to this as well, but tomorrow I take it again. I hope I pass! Thanks for explaining this well!
Thanks for sharing your story! You got this, please let us know how it goes!
@@DriversEdDirect I passed!!!! She told me that I did really good with my blind spots!! I only got 4 points off 😄 Thanks for this well explained video!!
@@SmeliNeli AWESOME JOB! Huge accomplishment and thanks again for sharing this part of your driving journey with us. Stay safe out there and see you on the road!
I wish driving videos were more kind and patient like these instead of some oldhead ridiculing you for making mistakes
Thank you for those kind words!
Well detailed thanks
Glad it was helpful!
I needed this video. I don't want to get into an accident because I did not check my blind spots. I need to remember to turn my head and look over my left or my right shoulder. This is something I need to make sure I do.
You got it Ayesha, keep up the great attitude!
I passed my driving test today. This video is really helpful. Thanks
Glad it helped! CONGRATS on passing!!!
Thank you😊
You're welcome 😊
Love these videos it is helping me a lot.
Glad to hear it, thanks for watching!
That’s the best video ever please follow this guy cause he knows how to explain everything I failed before this video after I saw it I passed thank you so much God bless you!
Thank you so much and CONGRATS on passing!!!
Thanks 🙏
Thanks Rose!
I failed my road test partially because I didn't check my blind spots. I wish I had seen this video before the road test.
Thanks for sharing, best of luck to you!
Hi! When I am driving a car that’s more like a SUV or a car that’s just built bigger, I have a hard time with blind spots. Some cars are better and I can see everything if I look back but the bigger cars you can’t see the very back window on the left side. Your shoulder check has me in doubt because my mirrors have lied to me before and I feel better if I can see all the way back. 😂
Hello! NY here question about turning blind spots - so I have my license but have some driving anxiety and still love watching these videos, recently I read from Canadian CZcamsrs that they check the blind before turning and California does as well and according to the DMV of California, how should we go about checking blinds on right turns in super dark areas at night? Most of suburbs NY isn’t built for bikes so I’m guessing it isn’t needed (I still do it makes me feel better!)
Oddly enough in suburb NY we aren’t told or taught to check our blinds before turns so are a lot of people in the US, however I know in California you are and all major Canadian cities because of bikes lanes, though around where I live we see so many bike lanes and I would not be shock if every DMV starts to teach blind before right! Thanks for any help have a good one!
Hello and thanks for sharing! Yes, we always recommend checking your blind-spots just in case. You might check them 1000 times without seeing anything there, but at some point in your life you'll be glad you checked because something will actually be in your blind spot. Just remember S.M.O.G. - Signal, Mirrors, Over-the-Shoulder, Go - so basically anytime you signal, follow it up with mirror checks and over the shoulder checks. Hope that helps!
You explained more in 5 minutes than my teacher explained in 10 lessons.
Thanks for the support, be safe out there!
The man said I wasn’t looking back and I was he said my turns where to slow i was going to 15 to 20 on my turn
What was that music from the background in the beginning and the end of the video?
I literally didn't pass cause of this last week! 😢 blind spots are hard for me to do even though I been driving for years 🫣 I'm taking my test again today I will definitely apply this 🙏🏼 thank you
Thank you for sharing that! Check out this DMV Drive Test video - it will definitely help as it goes over all the times you need to check over your shoulder and much more: czcams.com/video/m7h5bLIIoNI/video.html
Best of luck to you on your next test!!
I have a question when I park to the curb because the examiner want’s us to reverse test so before parking should I check my blind spot
Hello! Anytime before you park at a curb, you definitely want to check your blind spot first. Also, before you reverse, make sure you check behind you , looking over both shoulders first. Please watch this video for a better explanation: czcams.com/video/SNXqsTRhJ80/video.html
Hope that helps!
You have a really calm voice
Thank you!
DO you have a vdieo on how to parallel park, if you do can you please link me it
Hello! We do have a parallel parking video, please find it here: czcams.com/video/QHHwbOG3W_c/video.html
Thanks for reaching out!!
The question is where do you look for the blind spot. Take a quick look at MIDDLE of the BACK DOOR WINDOW.
When turning from a residential street onto a major street and there is no immediate visible speed limit sign (it is posted further back), what speed should I drive? 25 still? (For the purposes of the test since there was no visible sign in my route that came up yet, Even if I know the street is 35mph). Or would 25 mph be too slow bc other traffic is likely going the speed limit(35) or faster while I’m still at 25?
Hello again! Great question and a tricky one. If you know for certain the speed limit is 35mph from previous experience, then of course you should go the speed limit if conditions allow it. However, as you noted, if you are unsure of what the posted speed limit is, then 25mph is technically the assumed speed limit. With that said, it's good to get to know the area of your driving test prior to your test day. That way you can learn the speed limits of the major streets around the DMV, which are most likely faster than 25mph. Hope that helps!
So for example if I do a right turn should I check the right blind spot or both?
Good question! You check your blind spot only in the direction that you are going to turn or lane change into. So if you are moving right, check your right blind spot. If you're moving to your left, then check your left blind spot. Hope that helps and thanks for asking!
Finally someone who doesnt speak bullshit.❤❤
I've been questioning, should you should check your blindspot first, then turn on your signal or turn on your signal and check your blindspot. Or are both of these correct?
Hello! For sure always check your blind spot after your signal is on and you have checked your mirrors, directly before you change lanes or make a turn. If you use the acronym S.MO.G., it will help you remember the order:
- Signal
- Mirrors
- Over-The-Shoulder (Blind Spot Check)
- Go
With that said, there is no reason why you cannot check your blind spots at others times as well, just make sure to use quick glances. Hope that helps!
I’ve heard that driving instructors want you to exaggerate when checking blind spots and I thought that meant twisting your body to check. When I took my test I checked my blind spots by just turning my head but my instructor told me that I was not checking my blind spots. How am I supposed to exaggerate checking them? HELP LOL
Thanks for sharing Jessica, we completely understand your frustration! For blind spot checks, just remember it's a quick "chin to shoulder" glance - so you want to literally turn your head until your chin touches or almost touches your shoulder. If you do this, your instructor or examiner will have no doubt that you checked your blind spot. However, make sure your blind spot checks are brief glances (don't stare over your shoulder). Also, when you do the "chin to shoulder" check, make sure you are only turning your head and NOT your arms or body, as turning your arms or body could cause the steering wheel to move. Micah demonstrates some proper chin-to-shoulder blind spot checks here in the video: 3:05
Hope that helps and best of luck to you!
@@DriversEdDirect thank you so much for replying! I will try my best to do as Micah did in the video!
@@Jessica-pn5dv Thank you, you got this Jessica!
My question is simple: Can you safely do shoulder check on a highway switching lanes at 80-90km/hr? I haven't seen an instructor demonstrate this.
Hello! Great question. Yes, you definitely need to do shoulder checks when making lane changes at high speeds. We will add that idea to the list of videos to make, thanks!!
There are also blind spot cameras plus how do you know if someone ones to turn in front of you ?
Hi Mankiran, thanks for commenting! The blind spot cameras found on many cars today can be very helpful and are a very nice to have feature, but it is still very important to check over your shoulder to really make sure your blind spot is clear. For example, if you are on the freeway, your blind spot camera may warn you if there is a car in the lane directly next to you, but it may not pick up a car that is 2-lanes away that could potentially be merging over towards you. Also, if you rely solely on blind spot cameras on your DMV test, the examiner will issue you an auto-fail. Regarding your other question, "how do you know if someone ones to turn in front of you?" - I am not 100% sure I understand what you are asking, but if you can clarify I will be happy to answer as best I can. Thanks Mankiran, we appreciate your support!
@@DriversEdDirect what do you do if someone wants to turn in front of you?
@@DriversEdDirect maybe their flashing lights
@@mankirankamaal174 Thanks Mankiran. It really depends on the situation you have in mind, so it is hard for me to comment exactly without knowing more specific details. With that said, you should always yield your right of way if it will help prevent a collision. You don't have control over another driver's actions, so if they insist on moving in front of you, then let them and try to create a space cushion with their vehicle to prevent a collision. If the situation is not dangerous and they are signalling that they want to move in front of you, then it is up to you if you want to let them over. If it is safe, the courteous thing to do would be to let them move ahead of you. However, it may not be safe for you to let them over if their is fast moving traffic behind you. You may get rear-ended from the faster traffic directly behind you if you suddenly slow down to let the other driver move in front of you. Not sure if that answers your question? Please let me know and we'll go from there. Thanks again!
@@DriversEdDirect I also have another question what if 2 cars approach an intersection across each other at the same time and both cars are signaling to go to the same lane one car wants to turn right which is the other cars left and wants to turn left ? Who’s turn would it be to go ? Should it be the car that is closer to that lane that can turn ? Who has the right of way ?
You would see that cone if you had a cheap set of stick on blind spot mirrors. Cost around $4 in Wal-Mart.
When do we use the damn mirrors before or after blind checking in lane changes.
Hello! We use the SMOG acronym to help remember the order before lane changes:
- Signal
- Mirror
- Over-the-Shoulder (blind spot check)
- Go
Of course, you can recheck your mirrors and/or blind spots at anytime - many challenging lane changes will require multiple re-checks of mirrors and blind spots. But in general, you check your mirrors first and then your blind spot.
@@DriversEdDirect Thank you Good advice from your videos. I just passed my test hell yeah. Just having trouble printing out temporary operator license offline. I'm still excited regardless also my first car.
Dumb question, do I only need to check the shoulder in the change I’m going?Or both ways no matter what?
Not a dumb question at all, and one that many of our students ask us! When changing lanes, you only need to look over the shoulder in the direction you are moving towards. Hope that helps!
@@DriversEdDirect thank you guys a lot, I passed my written test the other day because of your help. 👍
I love you
i’m so nervous my test is in the morningggggg
Hello Karina - you got this! Just be the best driving version of yourself and do YOUR best, that's all anyone can do. Take a few deep breaths before your test starts and drive like you've been practicing. Please let us know how it goes!
@@DriversEdDirect i passed !
yeah i kept turning my head all the way like a bird or something this helps
Thanks for watching!
And here I am looking like I'm cracking my back
so blind spot is basically where your door handle is?
Kind of sort of - if you look in the direction of your door handle (ie over your shoulder), you will see your blind spot, so that is true! But your blind spot is technically a large area that extends to the side and behind of your vehicle - basically anything you cannot see in your mirrors. Hope that helps!
I know someone who just leans forward and looks into their mirror to check their blind spot.
Hello, thanks for sharing! While leaning forward to check your mirror can reveal some of what's in your blind spot, it can't show you the whole "blind spot picture". As Micah demonstrates at 1:32, even leaning forward and looking into his mirror doesn't reveal the large orange cone in his blind spot. That's why looking over your shoulder is the only true way to check your blind spot... both for your own safety, and also so you don't fail your license test!
You have to adjust mirrors out the way the SAE prescribes
czcams.com/video/QIkodlp8HMM/video.html
Thaaaaaanks, I am from Brazil I am in Mass now. I saw lot of videos but Now I have what I need. 🤓🤓🤓🤓
Thanks for that nice feedback, welcome to the States!