How Long Must a New Driver Wait Before Driving on the Highway?
2 Answers
New drivers can drive on the highway as soon as they obtain their driver's license, but they must be accompanied by an experienced driver with at least three years of driving experience. Otherwise, they must wait until the one-year probationary period is over. Below are the restrictions for new drivers: 1. During the probationary period, motor vehicle drivers are not allowed to drive buses, commercial passenger vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, engineering rescue vehicles, or vehicles transporting hazardous materials. Additionally, they cannot tow trailers. 2. When driving a small automatic transmission passenger vehicle designed for disabled individuals, the new driver may be accompanied by a driver who holds a license for small automatic transmission passenger vehicles or higher. 3. During the probationary period after obtaining an additional driving license category, the above restrictions do not apply when driving a vehicle within the original license category.
I was so excited to try driving on the highway after getting my driver's license, but regulations clearly state that new drivers have a one-year probationary period during which they cannot drive alone on the highway; they must be accompanied by an experienced driver in the passenger seat. This rule is not redundant. On highways, speeds are high, and traffic is heavy. New drivers often lack good judgment, making them prone to improper braking or lane-changing mistakes. Looking back on my own experience at the end of the probationary period, I asked a friend to accompany me for my first highway drive. After driving dozens of kilometers, I realized how essential my daily urban road practice had been. I recommend waiting until that year is over or starting with short highway trips under reliable supervision. Safety should always come first. Highways are not the place for new drivers to hone their skills—it's better to wait until skills mature. Otherwise, the risks are too great.
