How Long Should a Beginner Drive Before Taking the Highway?
3 Answers
If you are a beginner driver, the probation period is 1 year. Here are some precautions for novice drivers: 1. Speed control: Many novice drivers may struggle with maintaining proper speed on the highway, and the high speeds can easily cause nervousness. In such a state, accidents are more likely to occur, so it is essential to have good control over your speed. 2. Overtaking on the highway: When overtaking, due to the high speeds, it is important to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle behind you. Additionally, it is not advisable to stay in the overtaking lane for too long to avoid unnecessary accidents.
Going straight to the highway after getting your driver's license is not a good idea. The law requires that during the 12-month probationary period, you must be accompanied by an experienced driver with at least 3 years of driving experience. I remember when I first got my license, I wasn't even smooth with gear shifting. That time I forced myself onto the highway, I almost missed the exit and was so nervous my palms were sweaty. It's recommended to drive on city roads for at least three months first, to master basic skills like reversing and lane changing. It's even better to find a reliable companion for a couple of short highway trips to get used to the feeling of driving at 110 km/h. Some driving schools also offer highway training courses, where professional instructors accompany you—much better than figuring it out on your own.
I was dragged onto the highway by a friend just two weeks after getting my driver's license, and looking back now, it's really scary. Beginners should accumulate at least 3,000 kilometers of urban road experience, especially practicing night driving and rainy conditions. Highways are full of potential dangers: suddenly changing lanes of large trucks, debris from tire blowouts of vehicles ahead, hidden ice on the road—without experience, it's impossible to react in time. Find a weekend to have an experienced driver take you on a few short trips, focusing on learning highway lane-changing techniques and emergency lane usage rules. Remember to check tire pressure and brake pads before setting off; these details can be life-saving in critical moments.
