What is the correct practice for checking blind spots before changing lanes?

Study for the Nova Scotia Drivers Beginners Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Checking blind spots before changing lanes means using both mirrors and a quick shoulder check. Mirrors help you see vehicles in your lane and behind you, but they don’t reveal everything in the areas to your side. A brief head turn to look over your shoulder lets you confirm there isn’t a car, motorcycle, or truck in the lane next to you that you could collide with once you move. This combined approach—surveying with mirrors, then performing a shoulder check before moving—helps ensure the lane change is safe. Relying on mirrors alone can miss fast-approaching vehicles; looking only in the rear window doesn’t show the side areas you need to monitor; and turning the steering wheel before checking your mirrors could put you into a collision.