Can novice drivers always drive in the right lane?
4 Answers
Driving can always be done in the right lane. For novice drivers: Conduct a thorough vehicle inspection beforehand, focusing on fuel, engine oil, tire pressure, lights, etc. Plan your route in advance, and it's best to have an experienced driver with at least 3 years of driving experience accompany you. Highway driving: Unlike regular roads, highways have speed limits. The minimum speed on highways should not be less than 60 km/h, and the maximum speed should not exceed 120 km/h. Therefore, as a novice driver, it's acceptable to drive at a lower speed, but do not go below the minimum speed limit. According to traffic regulations, driving below the minimum speed limit on highways will result in a 3-point penalty.
I remember when I first learned to drive, I relied heavily on the right lane, thinking it was safer and simpler with slower speeds and no need to worry about overtaking. But after driving more, I realized staying there all the time isn't ideal. The right lane often has trucks merging in or pedestrians and bicycles causing disruptions, and on highways, it's the most prone to traffic jams. Beginners can easily miss lane-changing opportunities and get nervous. The core of safe driving is dynamically adjusting your position. I recommend starting with the right lane to get familiar with the road feel, then gradually practicing judging distances in the middle lane—like switching during low-traffic sections. As confidence builds, you'll naturally handle traffic more flexibly. Staying in one lane long-term isn't just boring, it can also be dangerous, so proactively learning lane-changing techniques makes driving more efficient and balanced.
As an experienced driver who frequently travels on highways, I believe beginners can definitely start by using the right lane, as it offers less pressure and simpler operations. However, driving isn't about rigidly sticking to one spot. The right lane on highways is usually reserved for slower vehicles, and prolonged congestion can lead to dissatisfaction from trailing cars, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. In urban roads, it often faces interference from parked cars or turning vehicles. I recommend that beginners initially choose the right lane to adapt to traffic. Once they feel confident, they should practice switching to faster lanes to handle more complex situations. The joy of driving lies in flexible responses—don't let yourself get stuck there. During busy times, proactively changing lanes is safer and saves time. With accumulated experience, you'll naturally shift your mindset.
When I first got my driver's license, I was very nervous about driving and preferred staying in the right lane because it felt slower and easier to control. However, I soon realized the problems: constantly driving on the right made me tense on highways with trucks pressuring me, and in the city, I struggled with chaotic exits and difficult turns. Now I understand that while the right lane is safer, it has many limitations. Beginners should use it to learn the basics, then practice changing lanes on empty roads to build confidence, gradually overcoming the fear of left turns or highway driving. The key to driving is to challenge yourself from multiple angles—don’t let one habit limit your growth.
