
Ask Wing Mirror Man!
Based on questions people are asking on Google with the search query ‘wing mirrors uk’.
A car has three mirrors: the Driver Side Wing Mirror, the Passenger Side Wing Mirror, and the Interior Rear-View Mirror.
As long as the driver-side wing mirror is in place, not excessively damaged, and secure, and one other mirror is working, it's legal to drive.
So, it's not illegal to drive without the passenger-side wing mirror, as long as the other two mirrors are intact and functioning properly.
The MoT test is a mandatory annual check that ensures your vehicle meets essential safety, environmental, and roadworthiness standards. One of the key areas assessed during the test is the condition and functionality of various components, including mirrors.
Every car has three mirrors: the Driver Side Wing Mirror, the Passenger Side Wing Mirror, and the Interior Rear-View Mirror.
As long as the driver-side wing mirror is present, secure, and not excessively damaged, and at least one other mirror is fully functional, it's legal to drive.
This means that you can pass the MoT test without a passenger wing mirror, as long as the other two mirrors are intact. However, it will be noted as an advisory, meaning you should repair or replace the missing mirror as soon as possible.
Remember, MoT requirements can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check the latest guidelines and regulations to stay in compliance.
Yes, it is legal, although not advised, to drive a car without a Passenger Side (Nearside) Wing Mirror in the UK, provided the Driver Side (Offside) Wing Mirror and Interior rear-view mirror are intact.
If you are driving a Commercial Van or any other Commercial Vehicle, it would require both Driver Side (Offside) and Passenger Side (Nearside) to be in full working order as most commercial vehicles would not have an interior Interior rear-view mirror.
No, provided the Driver Side (Offside) Wing Mirror and Interior rear-view mirrors are intact.
Excessively damaged, insecure or regarded as unsafe for pedestrians will can fail an MOT. It is dependent on the MOT tester at the time, so it is always best (and safer) to have mirrors intact and in working order
Yes, although not advised, to drive without a Passenger Side (Nearside) Wing Mirror, provided the Driver Side (Offside) Wing Mirror and Interior rear-view mirror are intact.
These days, in newer vehicles with all the technology packed into to vehicle, this has made its way to the wing mirrors. This means the cost to replace is bound to high for the highly spec'd vehicles.
All technology within a wing mirror unit is all to do about safety and comfort. To name a few features in a wing mirror unit; Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Computer Memory and Rear-View Camera.
No! The driver side wing mirror unit will always need to be intact and secure for the vehicle to be deemed safe on the road and to pass the all-important MOT test here in the UK.
Historically side-view mirrors were originally fitted on the wing of the car, hence the name, Wing Mirror. However, due to safety reasons, side-view mirrors started to move to be fitted closer to driver side and most of the time fixed to the door, hence the name “Door Mirror”.
The term “Wing Mirror” has just stayed around, although no longer factually correct.
It’s a frustrating moment — you're parked up or driving along, and someone clips your wing mirror. It might be a passing car on a narrow road or someone squeezing past in a tight spot. So, what should you do next?
First things first – stay calm and safe.
If you're driving, find a safe place to pull over and assess the damage. Is it just the cover that's cracked, or has the whole unit been knocked loose? If you're parked and discover the damage later, take a moment to check for any note or signs of who might have done it.
If the other driver is still around, have a quick chat.
Swap names, contact details, and insurance info — and make a note of their number plate. Most people are reasonable if it’s a genuine accident. If they don’t stop or drive off, try to catch their registration and report it to the police, especially if there’s significant damage.
Take a few quick photos.
Snapping pictures of the damage, the other vehicle (if present), and where it happened can help if you’re making an insurance claim.
Speaking of insurance...
It’s worth checking with your insurer before deciding whether to claim. Sometimes, the cost of a wing mirror repair might be less than your excess — and won’t affect your no-claims bonus.
Need a replacement? That’s where we come in.
At Wing Mirror Man, we stock a huge range of replacement wing mirrors, covers, glass, and indicators for most makes and models — often much cheaper than going through the main dealer. Whether it’s a full unit or just a painted cover you need, we’re here to help get you back on the road quickly (and without breaking the bank).
It depends on the type of mirror and how confident you are with a bit of DIY!
If you're replacing a complete wing mirror unit, the difficulty can vary depending on the style. Some vehicles have stem-mounted mirrors, where the mirror arm and head attaches directly to the door at an angle. Others are pillar-mounted, which can include base plates and/or arms that connect to the mirror head.
The good news? Most complete units from Wing Mirror Man come pre-assembled, meaning they’re ready to be fitted straight onto the vehicle. Others may arrive in separate parts and need to be built up during installation — still doable, but a bit more involved.
On the other hand, mirror covers, glass, and indicators are generally much easier to fit. Most of these parts simply clip on and off in the same way as the originals.
That said, if you’re not confident or familiar with car part installations, it’s always best to speak to a qualified professional to make sure everything’s fitted safely and correctly.
Wing mirror prices in the UK vary a lot depending on the vehicle and where you buy from.
If you go to a main dealer, you can expect to pay:
- £150–£300+ for a basic electric mirror
- £300–£600+ for mirrors with heating, indicators, or power folding
- £600–£1,000+ for premium models with features like auto-dimming glass, cameras, blind-spot monitoring, or memory settings
These prices are for parts only — fitting and painting may cost extra.
At Wing Mirror Man, we offer a far more affordable solution. Most of our complete mirror units, covers, glass, and indicators are 30–50% cheaper than main dealer prices — often even more. So whether you're after a full replacement or just one part, we’ve got you covered at a price that makes sense.
We also offer an in-house professional paint service at a significantly lower price than most bodyshops, as we paint in bulk — saving you both time and money.
Wing Mirror Man
Wing Mirror Man is the UK’s leading supplier of wing mirrors to the public and trade. Visit our website www.wingmirrorman.co.uk for more information or call our friendly customer service team on 0161 763 0800 if you need assistance in replacing a broken or damaged mirror for a car, motorhome or van.

