A Foreigner's Guide to Driving in India

As you may know, driving any type of vehicle in a foreign country, particularly India, involves a lot of horn honking.  A foreigner who is not used to using the horn while behind the wheel may be unsure of the appropriate times to honk.  Use this little guide and you'll be on the road and driving like a local in no time!

Get in your car: honk

Start the car: honk

Shift from park to drive: honk

Pull away from the curb:  honk 
*Note:  It does not matter if other cars are coming.  Pull out anyway.  They'll honk and miraculously miss hitting you by mere inches. 

See vehicle approaching from the other direction: honk

See pedestrian: honk

Approach curve in road: honk

Approach intersection: honk

Green light: honk

Red light: honk continuously
*Note: This helps the light turn green faster and pleases your fellow drivers.

Shift gears: honk

See animal in or near road: honk

Roundabout/traffic circle: honk the entire way around

Arrive in general vicinity of destination: honk

Visual confirmation of destination: honk

Arrive at destination: honk

Before turning car off: honk

After turning car off: honk

Remember, the lane markings are mere suggestions- no one actually follows them.  Buses will always yield to rickshaws.  And speed limits are for losers.  Time for a road trip!