How long does it usually take for a beginner to drive on the highway
3 Answers
Beginners can generally drive on the highway one year after obtaining their driver's license. Below are the time restrictions for when you can drive on the highway: 1. Within one year of obtaining the license: According to relevant regulations, if a driver operates a motor vehicle on the highway during the probationary period, they must be accompanied by a driver who has held a corresponding or higher-class driver's license for more than three years. For drivers of small automatic transmission vehicles for the disabled, they can be accompanied by a driver who holds a small automatic transmission passenger vehicle license or higher. During the probationary period after adding a new vehicle class, driving the originally licensed vehicle class is not subject to the above restrictions. 2. After one year of obtaining the license: After the 12-month probationary period, the driver can operate a motor vehicle on the highway alone.
I remember when I first started driving, I was quite intimidated by highways. Generally, beginners need to drive in the city for about six months to a year, accumulating around 3,000 kilometers of experience before daring to try the highway. This is because new drivers have slower reaction times, and highway speeds are fast, making it easy to make mistakes, such as unstable lane changes or failing to keep up with traffic. I recommend that beginners start with commuting routes and practice braking and turning more. Once they are comfortable with city roads, they can then try the highway with an experienced driver to get used to the pressure from larger vehicles. Also, don’t forget to check tire pressure and lights—breaking down on the highway is too dangerous. In short, safety first, don’t rush.
When teaching at the driving school, I always remind beginners not to rush onto the highway as soon as they get their license. Regulations stipulate that during the 12-month probationary period, they cannot drive alone on highways to avoid high accident risks. I often advise driving in the city for 3-6 months first to master basic skills like hill starts and lane changes. Beginners may need to drive 1,000-2,000 kilometers before becoming relatively stable. During this period, pay close attention to dashboard warnings and weather impacts—for example, hydroplaning on highways during rain is particularly dangerous. Remember to ensure the vehicle is well-maintained before hitting the highway, with timely checks on engine oil and brake fluid. Build confidence gradually and avoid taking risks.
