Can I drive on the highway with a newly obtained driver's license?
4 Answers
Newly licensed drivers in the probationary period are not allowed to drive on the highway alone. If a driver in the probationary period needs to drive on the highway, they must be accompanied by a driver who has held a driver's license for the same or a higher class of vehicle for more than three years. The accompanying driver should sit in the front passenger seat to provide guidance. Article 22 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law stipulates that the validity period of a motor vehicle driver's license is six years, and the first 12 months after a driver initially obtains a license is the probationary period. During this period, a probationary driver must display a uniform probationary sign on the rear of the vehicle. Failure to display the probationary sign as required will result in a fine of 200 yuan.
When I first got my driver's license, I was so excited that I wanted to hit the highway and speed, thinking it would be thrilling. But after checking the traffic regulations online, I realized how naive I was: during the probationary period (the first year after obtaining a license), a novice driver must be accompanied by an experienced driver with at least 3 years of experience in the same type of vehicle when driving on the highway. This rule isn’t baseless—highway speeds average over 80 km/h, traffic is dense, and lane changes or overtaking require quick judgment. Novices, lacking experience, can easily panic. For instance, they might fail to control the distance during emergency braking or struggle to avoid a fast-cutting rear vehicle. Later, I consulted my driving instructor, who advised me to practice more on city roads first, accumulating at least 500 km of experience before considering the highway. He suggested finding a reliable friend to help with short highway practice sessions. Safety matters more than pride—a fresh license doesn’t equate to driving skill, which takes time to develop.
Having driven for nearly twenty years, I sincerely advise beginners not to rush onto the highway. The law clearly states: During the probationary period, a novice driver must be accompanied by an experienced driver with over three years of driving experience to enter the highway. Highways are prone to emergencies, and beginners, due to their lack of driving experience, often misjudge situations, leading to frequent rear-end collisions or overtaking accidents. I recommend practicing on regular roads for at least six months first, to get familiar with the rhythm of accelerating and braking, as well as using navigation. I used to frequently guide beginners on highways, focusing on teaching them to anticipate traffic changes by checking rearview mirrors. Safety is no trivial matter; be patient during the probationary period and wait until your driving feels steady before attempting highway driving. Remember to always fasten your seatbelt, stay calm, and take your time with urgent matters.
Having taught driving for many years, I repeatedly emphasize the rules for new drivers during their one-year probationary period when driving on highways: there must be a companion with over 3 years of experience driving the same type of vehicle seated in the front passenger seat. High speeds on highways leave little reaction time, and inexperienced skills can easily lead to accidents, such as losing control during sharp turns. During training, I often simulate highway scenarios to remind students to maintain safe distances. I recommend that after passing the test, you first practice over 1,000 kilometers on city roads before considering highway driving. Safety always comes first—don't skip finding a co-driver; it can prevent many unnecessary risks.
