Can Novice Drivers Drive on the Highway?
3 Answers
Novice drivers are allowed to drive on the highway, but during the probationary period (one year), they need to be accompanied by an experienced driver. Regulations after the probationary period: They can drive on the highway alone. One major difference between driving on the highway and driving in the city is the higher speed on the highway. Since highway speeds are generally around 100 km/h, novice drivers who are not accustomed to such high speeds may be more prone to accidents. Therefore, before driving on the highway, novice drivers should practice handling the car at high speeds to avoid losing control due to nervousness. Precautions for novice drivers on the highway: Pre-drive vehicle inspection: Before driving, the driver should conduct a comprehensive check of the vehicle, with particular attention to fluids, tires, the braking system, etc. Ensure all fluids are at the proper levels and inspect the tires carefully, removing any debris from the tread. Adjust the rearview mirrors: Properly adjusted rearview mirrors allow the driver to better observe the sides and rear of the vehicle. Note that the adjustment methods for the left and right mirrors are slightly different. Hold the steering wheel correctly: On the highway, incorrect steering wheel grip can lead to veering. The correct grip is to place the left hand at the 9 o'clock position and the right hand at the 3 o'clock position on the steering wheel. The left hand should primarily control the steering, while the right hand rests lightly on the wheel for easy gear shifting.
Novice drivers are absolutely not allowed to drive alone on highways during their probationary period, which I deeply understand from years of driving experience. Traffic regulations clearly stipulate that the probationary period for a driver's license is 12 months, and a novice must be accompanied by a driver with over 3 years of experience to drive on highways. The reason is straightforward: highway speeds are high, and novices often react slowly, easily becoming flustered—such as failing to change lanes in time or being squeezed by large vehicles—posing extremely high risks. I remember a friend who once tried sneaking onto the highway and nearly caused a chain-reaction collision, terrifying themselves. Therefore, following this rule isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting yourself and others. What novices should do is practice more in urban areas, accumulate mileage, and wait until the probationary period ends before attempting highway driving independently. In short, safety comes first—don’t gamble with lives.
I think it's too reckless for beginners to drive on the highway. I had a deep realization when I just got my license. Highways are not like ordinary roads; a slight distraction or improper operation can lead to accidents. For example, overtaking on the highway requires precise judgment of the distance between cars, which beginners often misjudge, making mistakes easily under stress. Once, I accompanied a beginner for practice, and he almost hit the guardrail. Fortunately, I helped him stabilize the steering. Beginners lack experience and can't react promptly to sudden road conditions, such as slippery roads in the rain or poor visibility at night, doubling the danger. Therefore, I suggest that beginners should first practice basic skills diligently and find experienced companions to accompany them on the highway for a transition. After driving thousands of kilometers and becoming familiar with vehicle control, they can gradually upgrade to independent highway driving. Safety is the bottom line; don't be greedy for speed. Taking it step by step is the safest approach.