Inclination angle in Adjustment Mode versus under normal driving conditions

Under normal driving conditions (i.e. when the vehicle is not in adjustment mode), the headlights automatically level to a region specific vertical (downward) and horizontal (left/right depending on the vehicle being RHD/LHD) angle. This means that when you check the headlight adjustment while not  in adjustment mode, the headlight beam will project lower than the tape marks on the wall.

For example: for Europe, the headlight beam vertical inclination angle is -1%. This means that, with the vehicle at a distance of 7.62 m (25 ft) from the wall, the beam will project 7.62 cm (3 in) under the tape mark on the wall.