Is a small windscreen chip a defect?

It depends where it is. Damage in the area swept by the wipers in front of the driver is more serious than a chip at the edge — assess against the driver's line of sight.

Do blind-spot cameras count?

If the vehicle relies on a camera or monitor system for a required view, it should work — treat a failed monitor as a defect.

How often should mirrors be adjusted?

Every driver should check and adjust them at the start of their shift as part of the walkaround, since settings differ between drivers.

Walkaround check guide

How to check mirrors and glass on a daily walkaround

Vision is everything on a large vehicle. A missing mirror or a cracked screen in the driver's line of sight is a defect, not a cosmetic issue.

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In short

The mirrors-and-glass check confirms the driver can see clearly around the vehicle: all required mirrors present, clean and adjusted, and the windscreen and windows free of damage that obscures the view.

What to check

Checking mirrors & glass, step by step

All required mirrors fitted, secure and undamaged
Mirrors clean and correctly adjusted for the driver
Windscreen free of cracks or chips in the swept area
Side and door windows undamaged and clean
Any camera or blind-spot monitor working (where fitted)

Common defects

Cracked or chipped windscreen in the driver's view

Loose or misaligned mirrors

Missing nearside/blind-spot mirrors

Damaged camera monitors

When to fail it

Fail the item for any missing or insecure mirror, or windscreen damage within the driver's critical viewing area. Vision defects should be fixed before use.

Why it matters

Poor vision, especially to the nearside, is a factor in collisions with cyclists and pedestrians in towns. Correct, clean mirrors are a direct safety control.

More guides

Other walkaround check items

Checking tyres Checking brakes Checking lights Checking steering Checking leaks & fluids Checking wipers & washers Checking load security Checking coupling Checking number plates

FAQ

Checking mirrors & glass, answered

Keep reading

Walkaround checksThe full DVSA daily walkaround check app for every vehicle.The complete guideWhat a DVSA walkaround check is and the duties behind it.Free check listThe full DVSA daily walkaround check list, free to download.

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