Texas CDL General Knowledge Practice Exam

According to the CDL driver's manual, why should you limit the use of your horn?

1. To avoid fines

2. To prevent wear on the horn

3. It can startle other drivers

4. To conserve battery power

The correct answer is: It can startle other drivers

You are correct that limiting the use of your horn is primarily to prevent startling other drivers. The horn is a signal meant to convey important information or alert other road users to your presence, especially in situations where you feel that an upcoming collision might occur. Overusing the horn can lead to confusion or panic, potentially causing more dangerous situations on the road. While some other considerations, such as avoiding fines or conserving battery power, are valid reasons to be mindful of horn usage, the key point emphasized in the CDL driver’s manual is the potential impact on driver behavior and safety. Using the horn excessively for non-essential warnings diminishes its effectiveness and can contribute to road rage or distractions among other drivers. Therefore, using the horn sparingly promotes safer driving conditions for everyone on the road.