
Newly licensed drivers in the probationary period cannot drive on the highway alone. According to regulations, a driver in the probationary period who operates a motor vehicle on the highway must be accompanied by a driver who has held a driver's license for the corresponding or higher vehicle type for more than three years. The accompanying driver should sit in the front passenger seat to provide guidance to the probationary driver. More relevant information is as follows: 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 6 years, and the first 12 months after a motor vehicle driver initially obtains the license is the probationary period. If driving during the probationary period, a uniform-style probationary sign must be affixed or hung at the rear of the vehicle. Failure to affix or hang the probationary sign as required will result in a fine.

When I first got my driver's license, I also thought about this issue. In fact, drivers in the probationary period can drive on highways but with conditions. According to regulations, the first year after obtaining the license is considered the probationary period, and driving alone on the highway will result in penalties. You need an experienced driver with more than three years of driving experience sitting in the passenger seat to accompany you. Before driving on the highway, I suggest practicing lane changes and overtaking on less crowded suburban roads first, as the speed on highways is fast and reaction time is short. Once, my friend, who had no experience, rushed onto the highway and almost had a scrape when merging from the ramp to the main road, which was quite scary. New drivers should also pay special attention not to take risks in rainy or foggy weather—it's nerve-wracking to drive when visibility is poor. It's safer to be well-prepared before driving on the highway. Safety is the most important thing, after all.

During the probationary driving period, it's crucial to follow the rules—highways aren't for casual access. You must be accompanied by an experienced driver with over three years of driving experience. Otherwise, if caught by traffic police, you'll face a 200-yuan fine and a blemish on your safety record. My cousin, eager to return home, once took the highway alone, missed an exit, and made a dangerous emergency brake and lane change—it was a close call. Novices are advised to first get familiar with vehicle handling; on highways, even slight steering can make the car feel unstable. Opt for clear daytime conditions without fog or rain to start your journey, as sections with heavy truck traffic can be overwhelming. Blind spots in rearview mirrors are more hazardous on highways than regular roads—always remember to glance over your shoulder.

High-speed driving has special requirements, and drivers in the probationary period need to be accompanied by experienced drivers. I have seen too many novices at a loss in service areas, so it is recommended to check tire pressure and lighting systems before traveling. The overtaking lane often has vehicles that suddenly slow down, so the following distance should be 30 meters more than in the city. Rainy road surfaces with water films are prone to skidding, remember to slow down in advance. Change to the right lane two kilometers before exiting the highway, otherwise it would be too dangerous like the driver in last week's news who missed the exit and reversed.

New drivers must be accompanied when entering the highway, and this is not something to be taken lightly. Once, I accompanied a novice colleague on a long-distance trip and noticed he kept staring at the speedometer. In reality, peripheral vision should also monitor the road conditions 200 meters ahead. When large vehicles pass, the airflow can cause smaller cars to sway, so it's important to grip the steering wheel firmly and stay calm. It's advisable for first-timers to choose weekend mornings when traffic is lighter and avoid driving at night. During rest stops at service areas, check the tires for bulges, as tire pressure can rise abnormally during long trips in hot weather.

It's mandatory for probationary drivers to be accompanied by experienced drivers on highways, a rule that's absolutely necessary. Novices often fumble at toll stations, so it's advisable to prepare the transit card and change in advance. I recommend not exceeding two hours for the first highway drive to avoid fatigue and yawning. Immediately reduce speed upon seeing road signs - last week a car crashed into the cone zone and got a flat tire. Use the external air circulation mode when running AC to prevent drowsiness, and remember to check the traffic flow in rearview mirrors every 50 kilometers.


