How Long Before a New Driver Can Drive Alone on the Highway?

[Janelle]

The latest traffic regulations stipulate that new drivers have a 12-month probationary period. During this probationary period, drivers are not allowed to drive alone on highways and must be accompanied by someone with at least three years of driving experience. Here are some precautions for new drivers on highways: 1. Cannot drive alone during the probationary period: New drivers cannot drive alone on highways during the probationary period. Novice drivers often lack a sense of speed and distance. Therefore, if your driver's license has not yet passed the probationary period, it is advisable to choose national roads for travel or have a driver with at least three years of experience accompany you in the passenger seat. It is recommended not to venture onto highways until you are confident in your driving skills. 2. Thoroughly check the vehicle condition the day before departure: The biggest concern during long-distance travel is the vehicle breaking down midway. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected at a professional maintenance point before departure, paying special attention to critical components such as tires and brake pads to identify any potential hazards. Prevention is always the best choice for the wise. 3. Control your speed: New drivers often lack a sense of speed and are prone to speeding, so it is crucial to control your speed. Especially when exiting the highway and entering the ramp (usually speed-limited to 40km/h), it is essential to be conscious of deceleration, as many people tend to speed in ramps.

[KiraAnn]

When I first got my driver's license, I was particularly nervous about highways - the high speeds and heavy traffic made me feel like I needed an experienced driver by my side. During the first few months of my probationary period, I was already overwhelmed just driving on small city roads, struggling even with parking. Later, every weekend, my parents would accompany me on highway drives to build confidence, mainly practicing lane changes, following distance, and emergency braking - we even had one close call accident. It wasn't until I completed the full 12-month probationary period that I dared to drive alone. Looking back now, I realize it's crucial to accumulate enough actual driving mileage for peace of mind - never skip this step just to save time.

[LeBlakely]

Honestly, highways are complex environments where beginners should take it slow. I recommend waiting until the full one-year probationary period after getting your license is over, when regulations permit driving alone. Before that, focus on practicing fundamental skills like driving several hundred kilometers in the city until you can comfortably control speed and judge distances. Also pay attention to weather and road conditions - rainy days or nighttime driving can be risky, so get some accompanied practice first. Safety is no small matter; wait until you're fully accustomed before going solo to avoid accidents.

[Patricia]

Seeing new drivers rushing onto the highway makes me worry for them. Last year, my nephew was overconfident and insisted on driving alone on the highway before completing even two months of his probationary period. He ended up rear-ending another car—thankfully, he was unharmed, but his car needed major repairs. It's best to wait at least six months and practice more with friends to get familiar with the rhythm of highway driving. Don’t think driving fast is a skill—what matters most is stability. Be patient, and with enough experience, it will all come naturally.