Can I drive on the highway with a driver's license less than one year old?

[CameronFitz]

You can drive on the highway with a driver's license less than one year old. Here are some relevant introductions for novice drivers: Check tire pressure before driving: Inspect the vehicle before driving, including whether the tire pressure is sufficient and the onboard tools, etc. Although the onboard tools are rarely used, they should be purchased in time if they are lost or damaged. Take the most familiar route: Pay more attention to the traffic signs in the distance and find a way to return to the main road you are familiar with. It is better to take a detour than to violate traffic rules. Pay attention to the speed. Observe the rearview mirrors more often. The rearview mirrors are like your third eye, allowing you to observe the road conditions on the left and right rear of the vehicle, especially when changing lanes, reversing, or overtaking.

[DiBarrett]

I just got my driver's license a few months ago, and my friend suggested going on a long-distance trip via the highway for convenience. However, I specifically checked the traffic regulations: new drivers with less than one year of driving experience during the probationary period are allowed on the highway, but the key requirement is having an experienced driver with a corresponding license and over three years of driving experience sitting in the passenger seat as a co-driver. This is not only a legal requirement but also crucial for safety—highway speeds are fast, and new drivers' habits are unstable, such as braking timing or lane-changing judgment, which may not be fully developed. I’ve practiced a few times with a co-driver and felt significant improvement. If caught by traffic police without a co-driver, penalties range from a fine of 100-200 RMB and 6 demerit points to the serious risk of license revocation. Everyone is eager to drive when they first start, but don’t cut corners—finding a reliable companion ensures both legality and valuable experience.

[Hallie]

With two or three decades of hands-on driving experience under my belt, I've witnessed too many tragedies where young drivers rushed onto highways during their probationary period and ended up in accidents. While it's permissible to drive on highways with less than one year of driving license, it's mandatory to have a co-driver with over three years of experience—a real-life safety escort. Sudden incidents on highways, like tire blowouts or abrupt braking by the car ahead, can be disastrous for novices. I've given my cousin several early warnings when accompanying him. Rules aren't empty talk—violate them, and you'll face on-the-spot fines and penalty points. My advice to new drivers: don't act on your own. Find an experienced driver to accompany you for a few trips—it's both legal and safe. Safe driving is a process of accumulation; start steady and build from there.

[VonAmir]

My kid just got his driver's license and wanted to go for a spin on the highway. I immediately reminded him not to go alone. It's perfectly fine for a probationary license holder to drive on the highway during their first year, but the law clearly states that they must be accompanied by an experienced driver with at least three years of driving experience in the passenger seat. Novices lack experience in handling highway driving situations like bad weather or heavy traffic, which significantly increases risks. I arranged for a colleague to accompany my child to ensure safety comes first; otherwise, getting fined and penalized with points isn't worth it. Parents must take this seriously and teach their kids to follow the rules to avoid regrets.

[McElizabeth]

From a traffic regulation perspective, it is legal for drivers with a probationary license (less than one year) to drive on highways, provided they are accompanied by a co-driver holding the same class of license with over three years of driving experience. Driving without such accompaniment constitutes illegal driving, punishable by a fine of 100-200 RMB and 6 penalty points. This rule aims to reduce accident rates among novice drivers, as highway driving demands high concentration and experience. I often advise friends not to risk driving alone on highways—having an experienced driver accompany you not only ensures safety but also helps improve driving skills. Getting fined is not worth the risk; following the rules is the right way to go.

[OKimberly]

My friend just got his driver's license three months ago and confidently took the highway to deliver documents, only to be caught and fined by traffic police. Of course, you can drive on the highway with a license less than a year old, but you must be accompanied by an experienced driver who has held a license for over three years. New drivers during the probation period have unpolished skills, and the complex highway environment makes them prone to mistakes. After that incident, my friend learned his lesson and now always takes me along for practice to gain experience. I advise everyone not to make the same mistake—following the rules brings peace of mind.