Can I drive on the highway with a newly issued driver's license?
3 Answers
Yes, but there are restrictions. During the probationary period, a driver operating a motor vehicle on the highway must be accompanied by a driver who has held a driver's license for the same or a higher vehicle category for more than three years. Specifically, when driving a small automatic transmission passenger vehicle for disabled persons, the accompanying driver can hold a driver's license for small automatic transmission passenger vehicles or higher. Additional information: According to relevant regulations, during the probationary period, a driver is not allowed to operate buses, commercial passenger vehicles, police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, engineering rescue vehicles, or vehicles carrying explosives, flammable and explosive chemicals, highly toxic or radioactive materials, and other hazardous substances; the driven motor vehicle must not tow a trailer.
When I first got my driver's license, I was itching to try driving on the highway, but soon realized it wasn't allowed. In China, new drivers have a probationary period, usually 12 months, during which they cannot drive alone on highways and must be accompanied by an experienced driver with at least 3 years of driving experience. This rule is quite fair—highways have fast-moving and dense traffic, and inexperienced drivers are more prone to issues, such as hesitation when changing lanes or delayed braking, which could lead to rear-end collisions. I recommend practicing more on urban or suburban roads first to master basic controls, light usage, and emergency handling. After the probationary period, driving on the highway will feel more natural. Safety comes first; don't rush into risks. Breaking the rules could result in point deductions and fines, which isn't worth it. Take it slow, build confidence, and then enjoy the thrill of highway driving. Driving isn't a race—being steady is what truly matters.
Thinking back to when I got my license in my younger days, I also considered hitting the highway, but the rule was clear: during the probationary period, you must have an experienced driver in the car. It's too risky for a novice to handle the highway alone. At high speeds, reaction times are shorter, and encountering emergencies like vehicle breakdowns or bad weather can easily lead to panic and mistakes. Highway driving requires steady anticipation—maintaining a safe following distance, changing lanes at the right time—all of which come with experience. I recommend new drivers practice more on regular roads to get familiar with their vehicle's characteristics and traffic rules. Once you get through the probationary period, you'll have the freedom to drive on the highway. Remember to take breaks, avoid fatigue driving, and ensure every trip is safe and reliable. Don’t cut corners or ignore the rules, or you’ll regret it if an accident happens. Be patient and wait for the right time to act.
