Can the horn be pressed randomly during Subject 3 test?
2 Answers
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.
