How Long Should a Beginner Drive Before Going on the Highway?
4 Answers
Beginners can drive alone on the highway after holding a driver's license for one full year. Those who have held a license for less than one year must be accompanied by someone with at least three years of driving experience to drive on the highway. Below is some information about driving on the highway with temporary license plates: 1. Cross-administrative temporary plates: Vehicles with these plates can travel across provinces, whether within the same province or to another, and can use highways without worry. Cross-provincial temporary plates are visually distinct from non-cross-provincial ones, featuring a brown-yellow background with black text. 2. Test vehicle temporary plates: These are typically used only for internal manufacturer test vehicles or media test vehicles and come with many restrictions. Normally, test vehicle temporary plates specify restricted roads and are prohibited from highways and ring roads.
When I first got my driver's license, I always thought highways were exciting, but in reality, new drivers shouldn't rush onto them. Based on my experience, safety comes first. You should drive around the city or suburban roads for at least three to four months to gain some experience. For example, driving a few days a week, half an hour to an hour each time, with a total mileage of over 1,000 kilometers before feeling confident. On city roads, I could practice dealing with traffic lights, pedestrians, and lane changes—things that are easier to handle at slower speeds. On highways, the speed can be intimidating, and if traffic is heavy or someone makes a sudden lane change, a new driver might not react in time, leading to accidents. I recommend new drivers try short highway trips during less busy morning hours first, like driving for just ten minutes before exiting, and then gradually extend the duration if they feel comfortable. Don't forget to check the vehicle's condition, including tire pressure and lights. In short, don't rush to show off—safety is the most important thing.
I think the right time for a novice to drive on the highway really depends on personal confidence. I started trying after about two months of driving, but the key is whether you're mentally prepared. When I first started driving, I was nervous even in the city, let alone the highway. Later, after commuting daily and building up a sense of stability—even in traffic jams—I finally dared to try the highway. Practice is essential, but don't force it. Driving about four days a week for at least six weeks helps build coordination. Skills like handling speed changes, overtaking, and dealing with strong winds on the highway should be practiced on low-speed roads first. If you often feel hesitant or make mistakes, hold off. Pick a clear day, choose a familiar highway section for a short trip, and avoid peak hours. Take it step by step—it's responsible for yourself.
How long should a novice driver wait before driving on the highway? I believe it's essential to start with specific skills. At least one month of driving on city roads, with a minimum of 30 minutes daily, is necessary. This helps master basic operations like speed control, lane changing, and emergency braking. Highways test reaction skills, such as maintaining high speeds, merging, and avoiding trucks, all of which require proficiency. If a novice goes too early, panic can lead to loss of control. I recommend observing road conditions and vehicle distances while driving and accumulating sufficient experience first.
