Configure raid 1 with working Hard drive

I realize the importance of backups and run a double backup system. I also want to run raid 1. I read that I can take my working hard drive and install a similar hard drive on the the raid controllers and mirror my working system to the new drive using raid 1. I want to try this but should I try this with a another drive I have an image on that has a working system on it , so not to damage my good drive?