How Long Before a Beginner Can Drive on the Highway?
3 Answers
The latest traffic laws stipulate that there is a 12-month probationary period for a driver's license. Drivers during the probationary period cannot drive alone on the highway and must be accompanied by someone with more than three years of driving experience. Beginners are often nervous when driving on the highway for the first time. Due to the long driving duration and high speed, the requirement for beginners to be accompanied by an experienced driver is entirely based on safety considerations. Below is an introduction to highways: 1. Introduction: Highways are high-grade roads, abbreviated as expressways. According to the "Technical Standards for Highway Engineering" by the Chinese Ministry of Transport, highways refer to "roads that can accommodate an average annual daily traffic volume of more than 25,000 small passenger vehicles, are exclusively for high-speed driving in separate lanes, and have fully controlled access." 2. Advantages: High speed, large traffic capacity, safe driving, and reduced transportation costs. 3. Disadvantages: Large land occupation, significant environmental impact, high investment, high cost, and long construction period.
When it comes to driving, I believe the time it takes for a novice to drive on the highway depends on a combination of legal requirements and experience. According to Chinese regulations, there is a one-year probationary period after obtaining a driver's license. During this period, driving on the highway requires supervision by someone with at least three years of driving experience. After the probationary period ends, you can drive independently. However, this is just the minimum requirement. In practice, beginners should first accumulate sufficient experience on urban and suburban roads—such as driving 500 to 1,000 kilometers on regular roads—to master vehicle control, road observation, and handling emergencies. Highways involve higher speeds and faster traffic flow, demanding quick reflexes and accurate anticipation—a small mistake could lead to an accident. Novices may consider asking a friend to accompany them on the highway a few times, choosing low-traffic periods like evenings or weekdays to gradually adapt to fast-paced driving. Remember, safety always comes first—don’t rush to prove yourself. Only with enough experience can you drive with confidence.
As a new driver who just got my license, I was quite nervous about driving on the highway. To be honest, three months later I tried a short highway trip for the first time with a friend supervising; my palms were sweaty the whole time, and the car felt unstable once the speed exceeded 80km/h. I suggest beginners not just focus on the timeline, but rather accumulate mileage on regular roads first: commuting, driving around suburbs, etc. After a few months when your skills are solid, trying the highway will feel smoother. Personally, I believe transitioning from low-speed to high-speed driving requires a process. I accumulated about 1,500 kilometers of city driving before gaining enough confidence to drive on the highway independently. Everyone progresses at their own pace—some friends are ready in six months, others may need a year. The key is not to force yourself. High speeds on the highway require mastering lane changes and mirror checks—take it step by step, and it will come naturally.
