How long after obtaining a driver's license can a novice drive on the highway?
3 Answers
Novice drivers can drive on the highway immediately after obtaining their license, as it signifies their driving skills have been recognized. However, it's important to note that novice drivers cannot drive alone on the highway; they must be accompanied by a driver who has held a corresponding or higher-class driver's license for at least three years. To drive alone on the highway, the driver must have held the license for at least one year, meaning they must have fully completed the probationary period after obtaining the license. Additional Information: 1. Traffic regulations stipulate that a novice driver operating a motor vehicle on the highway during the probationary period must be accompanied by a driver who has held a corresponding or higher-class driver's license for at least three years. The accompanying driver must sit in the front passenger seat to guide the novice driver. If there is no accompanying driver or the accompanying driver does not meet the requirements, a fine of 200 yuan will be imposed. Additionally, if driving a small automatic passenger vehicle for the disabled, the accompanying driver can hold a driver's license for small automatic passenger vehicles or higher. 2. If a driver is in the probationary period after upgrading their license class, they are not restricted when driving vehicles covered by their original license class. For example, if a driver originally held a C1 license and upgraded to a B1 license, during the B1 probationary period, they cannot drive B1-class vehicles alone on the highway but can drive C1-class vehicles alone on the highway.
I have quite a bit of driving experience, and over the years I've seen many new drivers rushing onto highways right after getting their licenses, only to end up in accidents. Chinese traffic regulations clearly stipulate that new drivers are in a probationary period, usually within the first year of obtaining their license, during which they cannot drive alone on highways; they must have an experienced driver with at least 3 years of driving experience sitting in the passenger seat. The reason is simple: on highways, speeds generally range from 100 to 120 km/h, traffic is heavy, and lane changes are frequent. New drivers, with slower reactions and poorer judgment, are prone to rear-end collisions or loss of control. I recommend that new drivers spend their probationary period practicing more in congested urban areas to familiarize themselves with braking distances and lane-changing techniques. After the probationary period ends, they can try a short stretch of highway during off-peak hours, like midday on weekends, to build confidence. Safety always comes first—highways are not playgrounds. New drivers should take it slow to avoid regrets and protect their own lives and those of others. Remember, regular checks of your car's braking system and tires are also crucial.
I asked the same question when I first got my driver's license. According to Chinese driving regulations, the probation period for new drivers is a full year after obtaining the license. During this time, if you want to drive on the highway, you must be accompanied by someone with at least 3 years of driving experience—you can't drive alone. Otherwise, if caught by traffic police, you may face fines and penalty points, which is a significant risk. After the probation period ends, you're free to drive on the highway alone. For the first six months, I only dared to drive around the city, practicing parking and yielding to pedestrians. Later, I found an experienced driver friend to accompany me on the highway for practice—the speed was really intimidating, but luckily, he was there to guide me. It's better for new drivers to take it steady; gradually transition after the probation period ends, and don't push yourself too hard. Driving is a skill that improves with practice, and gaining experience is key to staying safe. Also, don't forget to obey the speed limit signs.
