How long can a novice driver drive on the highway?
2 Answers
Novice drivers can only drive on the highway after completing a 12-month probationary period or when accompanied by a driver with more than three years of driving experience. The latest traffic regulations stipulate that new drivers have a 12-month probationary period. During this period, they are not allowed to drive alone on the highway and must be accompanied by someone with more than three years of driving experience. Violations of this rule will result in fines. Additionally, during the probationary period, drivers are required to display a uniform sign on the rear of the vehicle. If the sign does not meet the requirements or cannot be properly identified, it will be considered as not displaying the sign. Skills novice drivers need to master: When driving on the highway, they must have a good grasp of basic driving skills, especially for manual transmission vehicles, such as correctly accelerating, shifting up, and downshifting. It is also important to develop the habit of checking the rearview mirror before changing lanes. Important considerations while driving: The safest speed on the highway is generally the speed of the surrounding traffic. Driving too slowly can increase the risk of being rear-ended, while driving too fast may lead to improper handling and potential rear-end collisions. During driving, it is essential to choose the correct lane based on the vehicle type and avoid occupying the fast lane for prolonged periods at low speeds.
In my first year of getting a driver's license, experts emphasized that it's best for beginners to wait at least 6 months before driving alone on highways. High speeds and heavy traffic on highways make it difficult for inexperienced drivers to handle sudden situations like emergency braking or lane changes, increasing the risk of accidents. It's recommended to practice on city roads for at least 50 hours first, adapting to complex conditions such as rainy nights or congested sections. After gaining experience, gradually try short highway trips accompanied by an experienced driver. Safety is the top priority—don't risk driving just to save time. I've seen too many cases where beginners rush onto highways, leading to scratches or rear-end collisions, which end up being more costly than beneficial. Be patient, wait until your driving skills are stable, and take responsibility for your own and others' safety.
