A3 mirror check: what ICBC is checking
ICBC expects mirror checks when changing lanes, turning, pulling out from the side of the road, or moving over to the side of the road.
ICBC A3 Mirror Check Explained for North Vancouver Learners
This video explains ICBC's A3 mirror-check expectation: check your mirrors when changing lanes, turning, pulling out from the side of the road, or moving over to the side. For North Vancouver learners, mirror checks need to become a constant habit. Keep track of what is behind you, judge gaps in the side mirrors, and pair mirror checks with shoulder checks before changing direction or road position.
Watch the ICBC A3 mirror check video
The video explains how mirror checks, shoulder checks, rear-view awareness, and side-mirror gap judgment work together before lane changes and turns.
Video breakdown
Key mirror-check habits from the video
Use these sections as a quick study guide before practising lane changes, turns, pull-overs, and traffic awareness behind your vehicle.
Mirrors and shoulder checks work together
Before moving the steering wheel, check the rear-view mirror, the correct side mirror, and then shoulder check. Mirrors tell part of the story; the shoulder check confirms the blind spot.
Check mirrors often, not only before manoeuvres
Glance at your mirrors about every five seconds so you know what is changing around you. Side mirrors also help verify lane position and reveal fast traffic approaching from behind.
Know what is behind you
You should usually know whether someone is behind you, how fast they are approaching, whether they are tailgating, and whether they may be planning a lane change.
Read the left-lane gap in your mirror
For a left lane change, a vehicle that fills too much of the side mirror is too close or borderline. You need a clear mirror gap, then a shoulder check before moving.
Use signal, mirror, mirror, shoulder check
Signal, check the rear-view mirror, check the side mirror, and shoulder check for anyone outside the mirror view. This protects lane changes, turns, and other road-position changes.
Want to practise mirror checks before your ICBC road test?
Book a driving lesson in North Vancouver with Zula Driving School and practise mirror timing, side-mirror gap judgment, blind-spot checks, lane changes, turns, and pull-overs with a local instructor.