How Should You Adjust Your Seat and Mirrors Before Driving?

A safe driving position begins before the car moves. New drivers should learn a repeatable routine for setting their seat, steering-wheel reach, head restraint and all three mirrors. The goal is to maintain comfortable control and improve visibility without relying on mirrors alone.

Quick answer: Before driving, sit upright and adjust your seat so you can fully operate the pedals and steer with slightly bent elbows while keeping appropriate space from the airbag. Set the inside mirror to show as much of the rear window as possible and angle the outside mirrors to cover nearby lanes with minimal overlap. Adjust your head restraint and fasten your seat belt. Mirrors reduce blind spots but do not eliminate them; always make an appropriate shoulder check before changing lanes.

Why seat and mirror adjustments matter

A seat that is too far from the pedals can interfere with braking; a seat that is too close to the steering wheel can place the driver unnecessarily near the airbag. Poorly positioned mirrors can hide vehicles traveling in adjacent lanes. These are preparation issues that should be corrected while the vehicle is still parked, not while entering traffic.

  • Pedal control: Reach the brake and accelerator through their full travel without stretching.
  • Steering control: Hold the wheel comfortably with a slight bend in your elbows, rather than fully extended arms.
  • Airbag spacing: Keep as much practical space as possible between your chest and the center of the wheel; about 10 inches is a commonly recommended minimum where feasible.
  • Head restraint: Position it high enough and close enough to help support the head if the vehicle is struck.
  • Mirrors: Set a wide view to the rear and both sides before shifting into gear.
  • Seat belt: Lap belt low and snug across the hips; shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and shoulder, never behind the back.

A six-step pre-drive setup routine

  1. Park and settle into your normal driving posture: Sit with your back supported and your hips against the seat. Remove bulky items that change your seating position.
  2. Set the seat distance and height: Move close enough to fully press the pedals without stretching or locking your knees. Maintain a clear view of the road and instrument panel.
  3. Adjust the seatback and steering-wheel position: Stay reasonably upright with a slight bend in your elbows when holding the wheel; keep sufficient space from the driver airbag.
  4. Position the head restraint and buckle up: Set the restraint near the back of your head, with its top at least as high as the top of your head when adjustable. Wear the lap belt low across the hips and the shoulder belt across the chest.
  5. Set the inside mirror: From your normal seated position, center the rear window in the mirror for a broad straight-back view.
  6. Set both outside mirrors and test the view: Angle them outward to show adjacent areas with little unnecessary overlap. While safely parked, check how approaching vehicles move between mirror views; remember blind-spot checks remain necessary.

How to adjust your rearview and side mirrors

For the inside rearview mirror, sit as you normally drive and frame the rear window to see what is directly behind. For the outside mirrors, aim farther outward than a beginner may initially expect. AAA describes a technique in which you lean toward the driver-side window when setting that mirror, then lean toward the center of the car to set the passenger-side mirror, so only a small edge of your own vehicle appears. Return to your normal posture to evaluate the view.

Mirror designs and vehicles differ, so follow the owner's manual and get help from a qualified instructor if needed. Mirrors are only part of your scanning routine; make a suitable shoulder check before lane changes and other sideways movements.

What should you do if someone else drove the car?

Reset the seat and mirrors every time the driving position changes. A family member may have changed the seat height, steering-wheel tilt or mirror angles. The settings that work for a taller driver may make the pedals difficult to reach or create extra blind areas for someone shorter.

Should you adjust your seat or mirrors while driving?

No. An unexpected seat movement can affect pedal control, and looking away to adjust mirrors diverts attention from traffic. Finish the setup before starting to drive. If your view or posture needs correction later, pull over and park safely first.

How this fits into NDT's beginner driving lessons

National Driver Training includes vehicle preparation and safe operating habits in Level One of its behind-the-wheel training. Seat and mirror setup follows the exterior check and precedes the first movement of the vehicle. Read What Should You Check Before Getting Into Your Vehicle? for the full pre-drive routine.

Prepare for Your First Driving Lesson with NDT

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Frequently asked questions about adjusting seats and mirrors

Why should you adjust the driver’s seat before driving?

A properly adjusted seat helps you operate the brake and accelerator fully, steer comfortably, see the roadway and maintain a safer distance from the steering-wheel airbag.

How far should your chest be from the steering wheel?

Aim for at least about 10 inches between your breastbone and the center of the steering wheel when possible, while still reaching and controlling the pedals and steering wheel safely. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.

How should the inside rearview mirror be positioned?

Adjust it while seated normally so you can see as much of the rear window as possible without leaning or turning your body.

Should you see the side of your car in the side mirrors?

A small reference edge is acceptable, but avoid aiming both mirrors mostly at your own vehicle. Set them outward enough to show adjacent lanes and reduce overlapping blind areas.

Do correctly adjusted mirrors eliminate blind spots?

No. All vehicles have blind areas. Use mirrors, signal early, and make an appropriate over-the-shoulder check before changing lanes or moving sideways.

Can you adjust your seat or mirrors while driving?

Avoid it. Make adjustments while parked, then recheck the view before moving. If an adjustment is necessary later, stop somewhere safe first.

Related Beginner Driving Skills guides

Sources and further reading

Published October 29, 2026. General driver education guidance; consult your vehicle owner's manual for model-specific adjustments.