
It is allowed as long as it is not in a no-honking zone. Here are the relevant regulations: Horn volume: When using the horn in non-prohibited areas and sections, the volume must be controlled within 105 decibels, each press should not exceed 0.5 seconds, and continuous presses should not exceed 3 times. The horn should not be used to call people or knock on doors. The distance (generally 50~100 meters) and frequency of honking should be appropriate and reasonable, and the horn should not be used as a command. The horn should be used when starting or overtaking. Starting requirements: Before starting, check whether the doors are completely closed, adjust the seat and mirrors, fasten the seat belt, check the parking brake and gear, and start the engine. Check the instruments, observe the interior and exterior mirrors, turn the head to observe the traffic behind, turn on the turn signal, engage the gear, release the parking brake, and start. The starting process should be smooth, without jerking, rolling back, or stalling. Therefore, generally, there is no need to honk when starting, but the horn can be used reasonably when encountering complex road traffic conditions.

During my driving test for Subject 3, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that the horn should not be used casually—only when necessary. For example, it’s reasonable to give a few honks as a warning when encountering obstacles or pedestrians crossing the road. However, honking randomly may lead the examiner to believe you are distracted or unaware of traffic etiquette, resulting in immediate point deductions or even test termination. I recall one trainee who kept honking unnecessarily during practice, and the examiner criticized them on the spot, saying it was too noisy and could disturb other drivers. During practice, I recommend developing good habits: frequently check the rearview mirror, anticipate road conditions in advance, and rely less on the horn. In fact, Subject 3 primarily tests safety awareness and rule compliance—reckless honking reflects immaturity and can easily be judged as dangerous driving behavior. So, never treat the horn as a toy; doing so could ruin your entire test.

As an experienced driving instructor, I can tell you that honking the horn during the driving test (Subject 3) is not something to be done casually. The car horn is meant for warning of dangers, not as a toy. During the test, if the examiner sees you honking unnecessarily, points will be deducted immediately because it disrupts traffic or shows a lack of understanding of safe driving. When teaching students, we always emphasize using the horn only when truly necessary, such as to avoid an accident. In daily driving, noise control is also important—unnecessary honking in residential areas or near test sites can lead to complaints. I advise students to practice anticipation and slowing down more, rather than relying on the horn. Remember, the test isn't just about skills, but also mindset—staying calm and using the horn judiciously can help you pass smoothly.

From a safety perspective, you should not honk the horn randomly during the Subject 3 driving test. The noise from the horn may affect the examiner's judgment and could startle pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents. During the test, unnecessary honking is often considered unprofessional behavior and commonly results in point deductions. It's important to understand that the horn is an emergency tool, and even in daily driving, it should be used moderately to reduce urban noise pollution. The key is to develop good driving habits, such as maintaining focus.

I've been learning to drive recently and kept wondering why you can't honk the horn randomly during the driving test (Subject 3). My instructor explained that the exam rules only allow horn usage in necessary situations, such as warning hazardous vehicles. Honking without reason would make the examiner think you don't understand traffic etiquette and result in immediate failure. After researching, I found traffic regulations encourage noise control to avoid disturbing the public. During daily practice, I've learned to use gestures or lights more for communication, reducing reliance on the horn. This has made me pay more attention to safety details, and I believe passing the exam will be easier.


