Is it necessary to honk the horn when starting in Subject 3?
3 Answers
During the driver's license test, it is required to honk the horn when starting in Subject 3. The procedure for starting in Subject 3 includes turning on the left turn signal (for more than 3 seconds), while simultaneously (turning the head to the left) observing the left rearview mirror. After confirming safety, honk the horn, release the parking brake, and start smoothly, then turn off the turn signal. Below is a detailed introduction: The road driving skills test for Subject 3 includes the following contents: preparation before getting on the vehicle, starting, driving straight, shifting gears, changing lanes, parking by the roadside, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and driving at night for large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, and small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled. The test content for other types of vehicles is determined by the provincial traffic management department of the public security authority. Extended information: According to Article 44 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," each subject can be tested once, and if the test is failed, a retake is allowed. Those who do not participate in the retake or fail the retake will have their current test terminated, and the applicant must reschedule the test. However, the rescheduling for Subject 2 and Subject 3 must be done after ten days. For those who fail the Subject 3 safe and civilized driving knowledge test, the passed road driving skills test results remain valid. Within the validity period of the learning driving certificate, the number of scheduled tests for Subject 2 and Subject 3 road driving skills tests must not exceed five times. Those who still fail the fifth scheduled test will have their other passed subjects invalidated.
I remember when I was taking the Driving Test Part 3, the driving school instructor emphasized the starting procedure a lot. He said honking the horn wasn't a strict requirement, but safety always comes first. Before starting, he told us to check the rearview mirror to ensure there were no cars or pedestrians around, then turn on the left turn signal, and give a light tap on the horn to alert others that you're about to move. During the test, the examiner mainly checks if you have safety awareness—like whether you observe your surroundings and start slowly. Honking is just a small assist. Actually, a light tap is enough; don't press it too hard and annoy people. The instructor also shared that in some cities, the test requirements are stricter, and honking is mandatory to meet the standard, but in most places, it's up to personal judgment. When I was practicing, I often forgot to honk and got scolded several times. Later, after forming the habit, the test became much easier. In short, the core of starting in Driving Test Part 3 is safety and smoothness. Honking is a bonus, but don't rely on it to save you—mastering the basic operations is key.
From a safe driving perspective, I believe honking when starting off is essential. This isn’t just a minor test detail—it’s the foundation of cultivating good habits. The driving test (Subject 3) evaluates your safety awareness. For instance, when preparing to move, a light tap on the horn can alert pedestrians or vehicles behind you, preventing sudden accidents. My driving instructor taught me: first check the mirrors, signal, then lightly honk, and finally start slowly—the entire process emphasizes 'prevention first.' During the test, the examiner may not deduct points for not honking, but if a dangerous situation arises (e.g., someone suddenly approaches) and you fail to alert them promptly, your safety score could be reduced. This habit is even more crucial in daily driving, as it lowers accident risks. Also, don’t underestimate this action—it reflects your control over the vehicle. Starting too abruptly or honking excessively can annoy others. In short, whether for Subject 3 or everyday driving, a gentle honk is both a sign of respect and a safety precaution—worth making a habit.
