Teorio
The blind spot
The blind spot is the areas around a vehicle not covered by the mirrors where the driver cannot see other road users without turning their head. Understanding where the blind spot is and how it can be larger on heavy vehicles is important to avoid accidents, especially involving unprotected road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.
Rules & Regulations
- Before you change lanes or turn you should check both the mirrors and the blind spot by turning your head; mirrors alone are not always sufficient.
- Signal well in advance before changing lanes or turning so other road users have time to react and do not inadvertently end up in your blind spot.
- Keep distance and give space when overtaking or passing heavy vehicles — large vehicles have significantly larger blind spots than passenger cars.
- Vulnerable road users (cyclists, moped riders, pedestrians) should avoid being alongside large vehicles, especially when the vehicle starts, changes lane or turns.
- If you as a road user are unsure whether the driver has seen you — wait or make yourself more visible instead of assuming you have been seen.
Tips for Drivers
- Make a quick head check toward the side you intend to move to every time you change lanes — this reveals cyclists or motorcycles in the blind spot.
- When overtaking a truck: accelerate in a controlled manner to pass quickly but safely out of its blind spot and avoid staying alongside it longer than necessary.
- As a cyclist: keep a clear position in the lane or choose a place where you are visible in the driver's side mirrors and avoid positioning yourself directly beside a heavy truck at intersections.
- Use eye contact when possible (for example at low speeds or in stationary traffic) to confirm that the driver has seen you.
Common Mistakes
- Believing that the mirrors always show everything — many rely solely on the mirrors and miss traffic in the blind spot.
- Underestimating the size of the blind spot on heavy vehicles and therefore staying alongside them for too long.
- As a cyclist or moped rider: attempting to pass on the inside close to a truck when it shows signs of turning, instead of falling back or waiting.
Exam Tip
Theory questions about the blind spot often test whether you know that both the mirrors and a quick head check are required before changing lanes; choose answers that mention both steps.
Did You Know?
Every type of vehicle has a blind spot, and it can be especially large in front of and on the sides of vehicles with a long hood or high body, so extra caution is required when meeting and overtaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the blind spot usually located on a passenger car?
The blind spot on a passenger car is often just behind the side doors and in the area immediately behind the car's rear corners. Motorcycles or bicycles often become visible only when the driver looks over their shoulder.
Why is the blind spot larger on trucks?
Trucks have a larger body, higher seating position and longer overhangs which create larger areas not covered by mirrors. In addition, the cargo area and vehicle construction can block visibility both to the side and behind the vehicle.
How can I as a cyclist reduce the risk of ending up in a driver's blind spot?
Make yourself visible by holding a clear and predictable line, avoid riding directly beside large vehicles and rather take a wider position so the driver sees you in their mirrors before any lane change or turn.
Is it enough to look in the mirrors before changing lanes?
No, the mirrors can show a lot but leave areas in the blind spot. A quick head check complements the mirror check and is necessary to be sure that nothing or no one is in the blind spot.
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