Roadwise States New Mexico Driving lessons Letting others know you're there: lights & horn New Mexico driving lesson · Communicating & Managing Space
Letting others know you're there: lights & horn A 3-minute lesson from the New Mexico course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Communicating & Managing Space
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 21, 22 Crashes often happen because one driver doesn't see another, or does something unexpected. Some drivers don't pay attention, so it's up to you to make sure others know you're there. Your headlights and horn are your main tools.
Know the rule
Headlights help others see you. If needed, flick them to alert other road users. Turn them on whenever you have trouble seeing others; they may have trouble seeing you.
Handbook p. 21 ↗ Turn on your headlights: On rainy, snowy or foggy days (if your wipers are on, your headlights should be too) When it begins to get dark, even if a little early When driving away from a rising or setting sun, so oncoming drivers can see you Within at least 500 feet when approaching another car, whenever lights are necessary Handbook p. 21 ↗ 500 ft Use headlights within at least this distance when approaching another car, when lights are needed
Handbook p. 21 ↗ Know the rule
Use your horn whenever it will help prevent an accident. With no immediate danger, a light tap should be all you need.
Handbook p. 21 ↗ Give a light tap on the horn when: A person on foot or on a bike seems to be moving into your lane You're passing a driver who starts to turn into your lane A driver isn't paying attention or may have trouble seeing you You can't see what's ahead: a steep hill, a sharp curve, or exiting a narrow alley Handbook p. 21 ↗ Sound a SHARP BLAST when there is danger: A child or older person is about to walk, run or ride into the street Another vehicle is in danger of hitting you You've lost control and are moving toward someone Handbook p. 22 ↗ Put it into practice
A jogger ahead drifts toward your lane with earbuds in. There's no immediate danger, so a light tap of the horn is enough. If a child suddenly darts toward the street, use a sharp blast.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Within what distance must you use your headlights when approaching another vehicle? 500 feet 200 feet 100 feet 1,000 feet Answer: 500 feet
Use your headlights within at least 500 feet when approaching another vehicle.
Handbook p. 21 ↗ When should you give a light tap on your horn? Only in an emergency Only when passing a bicyclist Before every pass on a two-lane road When a driver may not see you and there's no danger Answer: When a driver may not see you and there's no danger
If there's no immediate danger, a light tap on the horn is enough to get attention.
Handbook p. 21 ↗ When should you sound a sharp blast on your horn instead of a light tap? When a pedestrian may step into your lane When there is real danger When approaching a sharp curve or steep hill When a driver isn't paying attention Answer: When there is real danger
Sound a sharp blast when there's danger, such as another vehicle about to hit you.
Handbook p. 22 ↗ When should you turn on your headlights, according to the handbook? Only from sunset to sunrise Whenever you have trouble seeing others Only if another driver flashes their lights at you Only on unlit roads Answer: Whenever you have trouble seeing others
Turn on your headlights whenever you have trouble seeing others — they may be having trouble seeing you too.
Handbook p. 21 ↗ What should you do if you're passing another driver who starts to turn into your lane? Sound a long, sharp blast Slam on your brakes Give a light tap on the horn Flash your high beams rapidly Answer: Give a light tap on the horn
A light tap on the horn is appropriate when passing a driver who starts to turn into your lane.
Handbook p. 21 ↗ You need to alert a pedestrian who appears to be stepping toward your lane, with no immediate danger yet. What should you do? Sound a sharp blast immediately Stop and wave them across Flash your high beams rapidly Give a light tap on the horn Answer: Give a light tap on the horn
If there's no immediate danger, a light tap on the horn should be all you need.
Handbook p. 21 ↗ Previous lesson Using your headlights Next lesson Breakdowns & staying out of blind spots More in Communicating & Managing Space About the source Roadwise’s New Mexico course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 21, 22. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check New Mexico’s MVD. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.