Alberta Class 7 License Practice Test

What is the primary purpose of a shoulder check while driving?

1. To adjust the rearview mirror

2. To check for vehicles in your blind spot

3. To signal other drivers

4. To monitor traffic ahead

The correct answer is: To check for vehicles in your blind spot

The primary purpose of a shoulder check while driving is to check for vehicles in your blind spot. This action is essential for safe driving, as it allows you to thoroughly assess the surrounding environment before making a lane change or merging into traffic. The areas adjacent to your vehicle, particularly those not easily visible in your mirrors, can conceal other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. By performing a shoulder check, you ensure that you have a complete understanding of the traffic dynamics around you and reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by unseen obstacles. Adjusting the rearview mirror is necessary for visibility but is not the focus of a shoulder check. Signaling to other drivers is crucial for communication but does not address the critical need to look for blind spot traffic. Monitoring traffic ahead is important for overall driving but does not replace the necessity of observing areas that might be outside the view of your mirrors. Thus, the shoulder check specifically targets blind spots to enhance safety and awareness on the road.