How long after getting a driver's license can you drive alone?
3 Answers
You can start driving as soon as you get your driver's license. Here are some important points to note for new drivers: 1. No solo highway driving during the probationary period: New drivers in the probationary period are not allowed to drive alone on highways. If highway driving is necessary, there must be a driver with more than three years of experience accompanying you in the passenger seat. For your own safety, it's best to avoid driving on highways during this period. 2. Displaying the "Novice" or "Probationary" sign during the license probationary period: It's common to see vehicles with "Novice" or "Probationary Driver" signs on their rear bumpers or rear windshields. According to regulations, new drivers in the probationary period must display these signs on their vehicles. 3. Accumulating 12 points during the probationary period will result in license cancellation: During the probationary period, it's crucial to avoid traffic violations. If you accumulate 12 or more points, your license will be revoked, and you'll have to retake the driving test and reapply for a new driver's license.
When I first got my driver's license, I was extremely excited because theoretically, having a license means you can drive alone. But don't be in a hurry to drive on highways or complex roads by yourself. There are regulations for the probationary period, usually 12 months, during which accumulating 12 penalty points will result in the revocation of your license. So, during the novice stage, I suggest practicing for a few weeks in familiar areas, such as urban roads, and going with experienced drivers to familiarize yourself with traffic rules. As long as you don't make major mistakes before the probationary period ends, you'll be able to drive alone steadily. In fact, this period is a golden time to gain experience. After driving a few short night trips, I realized that judging road conditions is much harder than in the test center. More practice will boost your confidence. Remember, safety first—don't take risks just to save time.
The moment you get your driver's license, you're legally allowed to drive alone, but in reality, I always remind my novice friends to be cautious. Regulations set a probationary period, usually one year, during which you shouldn't accumulate 12 penalty points, or you'll have to retake the test. Right after getting my license, I started driving short distances on my own but avoided congested areas during rush hours to prevent nervous mistakes. From a safety perspective, this stage is prone to accidents due to lack of experience—like when I almost scraped a car while reversing. After practicing for a few months, I gained much more confidence. Generally, as long as you don't commit major violations during the probationary period, you'll smoothly transition to independent driving. Don't forget to regularly check your car's condition and keep the fuel tank adequately filled—these small things can also reduce the stress of driving for the first time.
