Borrowing a different car? Set your seat and mirrors before driving
A BC learner guide to setting the driving position before a lesson: seat first, then head restraint, belt and mirrors, with a practical parked-car scenario.
Updated:
BC Class 7 learners can use ICBC vehicle-setup guidance before supervised practice in a different or shared car.
Set the position before starting
Do the adjustments while safely parked, before starting the engine. ICBC advises an upright seat, supported lower back and slightly bent arms and legs when reaching the wheel and pedals. Keep at least 25 cm from the driver's airbag. Set the head restraint with its top at least as high as the top of your head and close behind it. The belt should fit snugly across your chest and low over your hips. Never adjust the seat or steering wheel while moving.
A shared-car scenario
Your taller supervisor drove to the practice location. You take the driver's seat and find yourself stretching for the brake. Pause the handover: explain that you need to reset the car before the lesson. Once your seat position is settled, adjust the rear-view mirror for the view behind and the side mirrors to reduce blind spots. ICBC notes that usually only a small part of your own car should remain visible. Mirrors still leave unseen areas; a good setting does not remove the need for shoulder checks.
Turn setup into an exam takeaway
Use this rehearsal with your supervisor: name one thing that changed when the seat moved, then explain what you must recheck. For example, your eye position changed, so the old mirror setting may no longer work. Next, locate the wipers and defroster while parked, using the owner's manual if needed. In a knowledge-test scenario, distinguish preparation from driving: correct a poor fit before moving, rather than planning to fix it along the road. If you cannot achieve a safe position, resolve that with your supervisor before practising.
Quick answers
Should I adjust mirrors before or after the seat?
Settle your normal driving position first, then set the mirrors from that position. Moving the seat afterwards can change what you see.
Can well-adjusted mirrors replace a shoulder check?
No. Mirrors reduce blind spots but do not show every area around the vehicle. Keep the observation checks needed before moving into another space.