How should a novice who just got a driver's license practice driving?
3 Answers
If you are a novice who just got a driver's license, the first thing is to familiarize yourself with the basic operations of the vehicle, such as starting, stopping, distinguishing between the brake and accelerator in emergencies, and shifting gears based on speed and RPM. Then, you can find a place with relatively less pedestrian and vehicle traffic, but don’t drive too fast. If the speed is too high, the braking time will be shorter. Another important point is to always obey traffic rules. Precautions for novice drivers are as follows: 1. After obtaining the driver's license, it is important to remember your first probationary period. During this probationary period, you are not allowed to drive alone on the highway. If a novice wants to drive on the highway, there must be a driver with more than three years of experience accompanying them in the passenger seat; otherwise, they may face fines and penalty points. 2. After the probationary period, the "Novice Driver" sticker should not be displayed on the car. It is common to see cars with "Novice Driver" stickers on the rear window on the road. If it is within the probationary period, it is naturally acceptable, but if not, you may face certain fines. 3. During the one-year probationary period, if 12 penalty points are deducted from the driver's license, it will be directly revoked. Therefore, you must be extremely cautious about this, as obtaining a driver's license is not easy. 4. After the probationary period, if the driver's license accumulates between 6 to 12 penalty points, the probationary period will be extended by one year, and within 30 days after the extension, you must retake the theoretical test (Subject 1).
As a new driver who just got your license, it's best to start practicing in the safest place possible. I recommend finding a large parking lot and going there early in the morning or on weekday afternoons when there are fewer people. With no other cars around, you can relax and practice steering control, gentle braking, and smooth starts. Don't rush onto the road yet—practice for 20 minutes each day, focusing on basic operations. Have an experienced friend or family member accompany you in the passenger seat; they can remind you about blind spots and mirrors. After a few days, try quiet residential side streets to get familiar with turns and traffic signals. Stay patient—nervousness is normal, but gradual practice will build confidence. Remember to check tire pressure and the braking system to ensure the car is in good condition. After a month of systematic practice like this, transitioning to busier roads will be much easier.
Practicing driving shouldn't be rushed; it's a step-by-step process. Beginners are advised to start in a flat, low-traffic area, such as an open road in the suburbs or the parking lot behind a supermarket. There, get familiar with the car's basic responses, like coordinating the clutch and brake, and avoid pressing the accelerator too hard. Then, progress to simple roads—I recommend before 7 a.m. or during off-peak hours—driving around small streets in the community to improve observation skills and reaction to traffic signals. Have a reliable friend or family member accompany you as a practice partner, but don't let them take over; stay in control yourself. Practice three to four times a week, 30 minutes each session is sufficient. The key is to gradually challenge yourself with moderate road conditions, like urban roundabouts, learning to change lanes and handle unexpected situations. Safety always comes first—don't take risks just to progress faster.
