How Many Years of Driving License Are Required to Drive on Highways?
3 Answers
Generally, drivers can drive on highways after completing a one-year probationary period following obtaining their license. If the probationary period is extended by one year due to traffic violations, then it would be two years. During the probationary period, drivers must be accompanied by someone with at least three years of driving experience to drive on highways. Below are the relevant details: 1. Definition of highways: Highways, abbreviated as expressways, refer to roads specifically designed for high-speed vehicle travel. 2. Prohibited behaviors on highways: Reversing, driving in the opposite direction, making U-turns across the central divider, or stopping in the traffic lanes. Overtaking on ramps, acceleration lanes, or deceleration lanes. Riding or straddling lane dividers or driving on the shoulder. Driving or stopping in the emergency lane unless in an emergency. Testing vehicles or learning to drive motor vehicles. The cargo compartments of trucks driving on highways must not carry passengers. Two-wheeled motorcycles must not carry passengers when driving on highways.
The day I got my driver's license, I was so excited that I thought about going for a spin on the highway. But my experienced driver friend poured cold water on my enthusiasm by saying that new license holders can't drive alone on the highway within the first year. According to regulations, the first twelve months after obtaining the license are considered a probationary period, during which you must have a supervising driver beside you. This supervising driver must also have at least three years of driving experience. At first, I didn’t believe it, but after getting more familiar with city driving, I understood—highway speeds are fast, lane changes are tricky, and new drivers can easily panic and cause accidents. Later, I practiced with my dad accompanying me and gradually adapted. After the probationary year was up, I was free to drive on the highway. My advice to new drivers is not to rush—practice basic driving skills more and prioritize safety for long-term confidence.
From the perspective of over 30 years of driving experience, I'd like to remind everyone that while you can drive on highways immediately after obtaining your license, new license holders must be accompanied by an experienced driver during their one-year probationary period. This accompanying driver cannot be a novice themselves - they need at least three years of actual driving experience to qualify. Highway risks are significantly greater than regular roads, with higher speeds leaving shorter reaction times. Inexperienced drivers are more prone to rear-end collisions or losing control. My personal suggestion is to spend more time driving on urban or rural roads first to gain experience before attempting highways - don't risk safety just to save a little time.