
You can drive on the road immediately after obtaining your license, but first-time drivers must display a probationary sign. Here are other precautions during the probationary period: 1. Special vehicles are off-limits: Article 22, Paragraph 3 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates that during the probationary period, drivers are not allowed to operate buses, commercial passenger vehicles, taxis, or vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and engineering rescue vehicles on duty, nor vehicles carrying explosives, flammable and explosive chemicals, highly toxic or radioactive hazardous materials; the driven vehicle must not tow a trailer. 2. No solo highway driving: Probationary drivers with less than one year of driving experience will be subject to strict management and must be accompanied by a driver who has held a corresponding or higher-class license for more than three years when driving on highways. The new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2013.

New drivers fresh out of driving schools often ask this question. Indeed, the law allows you to drive on the road the same day you get your license, but as someone who's been through it, I must remind you: a driver's license is just legal proof, it doesn't mean you have sufficient practical skills. In my first few months, I specifically chose early morning hours with fewer cars and practiced over a dozen times on familiar routes before daring to commute. It's advisable to post the insurance company's phone number and roadside assistance information on the sun visor, and avoid complex road conditions like rainy days or nighttime. The first three months are the most prone to minor scrapes or violations, so it's best to have an experienced driver with over five years of driving experience in the passenger seat for guidance. The key is to develop the habit of checking the rearview mirror—when changing lanes, don't just look at the side traffic; pay attention to vehicles in the diagonal blind spot as well.

This depends on your driving proficiency. I've seen many trainees pass the third driving test only on their third attempt, with their hands still shaking on the exam day. Forcing yourself to drive in such a state can be dangerous. If you've had prior private instructor training and can effortlessly parallel park during rush hours, then driving right after getting your license should be fine. However, pay special attention: during the probationary period, you must display the standardized novice driver sticker (failure to do so may result in penalty points if caught), and driving on highways requires accompaniment by a driver with over three years of experience. It's advisable to keep your phone on airplane mode during your first week of driving and avoid using in-car navigation to prevent distractions. Beginners often struggle with throttle and brake sensitivity, so wearing thin-soled shoes can enhance pedal feedback.

As a commuter sharing real-life experience: I drove to work just two hours after getting my driver's license, but it took me three times longer than usual. Unfamiliarity with vehicle operations caused me to stall three times at intersections, and the honking from cars behind made me nervous. New drivers often overlook three key points: improperly adjusted rearview mirrors leave blind spots, forgetting to signal before turning, and poor judgment of distance to the car ahead leading to sudden braking. For the first week of driving, it's recommended to confirm three things before starting: the positions of the accelerator and brake pedals, the location of the light control lever, and the positions of dashboard warning lights. Additionally, mount the phone holder where it's visible in your peripheral vision to avoid looking down at navigation. Remember to leave ten minutes early to reduce psychological pressure.


