How long after getting a driver's license can you drive on highways?
3 Answers
You can drive on highways immediately after obtaining a license, but must be accompanied by a driver who has held a license for the same or higher vehicle category for at least three years. Here are specific details about the driving test process: 1. Test sequence: The examination proceeds sequentially through Subject 1, Subject 2, Subject 3, and Subject 4. 2. Retakes: For Subject 2 and Subject 3, candidates can only take each test five times. If they fail, they must repay tuition and practice fees. According to Ministry of Public Security Orders No. 123 and 124, if a candidate fails the fifth scheduled attempt for either Subject 2 or Subject 3 road driving skills test, all previously passed subjects become invalid. To obtain a license, the candidate must re-enroll and pay tuition fees again.
I just got my driver's license last year and was excited to go on a road trip, but soon discovered a regulation: during the 12-month probationary period, you cannot drive alone on the highway. Within the first year of obtaining your license, if you want to drive on the highway, you must have an experienced driver with at least three years of driving experience sitting beside you as a co-pilot. This is because new drivers lack experience, and the fast-moving traffic on highways can easily lead to accidents. For example, high speeds and short following distances can cause accidents if you don't react in time. It's recommended that new drivers practice more on city roads during the probationary period to get familiar with steering and braking control. After the probationary period, there are no restrictions, and driving on the highway becomes freer and safer. The speed limit on highways is generally 80-120 km/h, so new drivers should avoid rushing to drive too fast—start with lower speeds to build stability before accelerating.
I've been driving for over twenty years and clearly remember the new rules after getting my driver's license. During the 12-month probation period, new drivers are not allowed to drive on highways alone and must be accompanied by a co-driver with at least three years of driving experience. Highway driving involves complex maneuvers like lane changes and emergency braking, which pose high risks for inexperienced drivers. After the probation period, they can drive freely. Don't think you can get away with it—police checks are strict, and fines and penalty points aren't worth the risk. It's recommended for beginners to practice on regular roads first, accumulating at least six months of experience before trying highways. Keep speeds under 100 km/h and maintain a safe following distance to prevent rear-end collisions. With many large vehicles on highways, new drivers must stay focused and avoid drowsy driving to prevent hazards.
