
Novice drivers driving alone on highways will be fined and ordered to exit the nearest highway; those preparing to enter the highway will be educated and advised to turn back. According to the regulations on the application and use of motor vehicle driving licenses, the first 12 months after a motor vehicle driver initially obtains a license or adds a permitted vehicle type is considered the probationary period. During this probationary period, if a driver operates a motor vehicle on a highway, they must be accompanied by a driver who has held a corresponding or higher-level driving license for more than three years. Before setting off, vehicle owners must thoroughly inspect their vehicles, including tire pressure, coolant, brakes, etc. Unlike ordinary roads where parking is flexible, accidents on highways not only waste time but also increase personal danger.

For new drivers caught driving alone on the highway during their probationary period, a fine of 200 yuan is standard, with some areas additionally deducting 3 points from their license. Why such strictness? The average speed on highways exceeds 100 km/h, and inexperienced drivers may panic in emergencies like tire blowouts or sudden braking, which can lead to serious accidents. I recommend that if you must drive on the highway during your first year of probation, always have an experienced driver with at least three years of driving experience in the passenger seat. They can help monitor road conditions, teach you lane-changing techniques, and ensure you pass toll stations without issues. After these 12 months, your license will automatically become full-fledged, granting you unrestricted highway access. Never risk driving alone to save trouble—fines are minor compared to the importance of safety.

The issue of penalizing novice drivers on highways really needs attention. Last time, my neighbor's kid, who had just gotten his license two months prior, drove on the highway at night in a hurry to return to his hometown. He was stopped at the toll booth, fined 200 yuan, and had points deducted, almost ruining his important plans. The law requires that drivers in their probationary period must be accompanied by an experienced driver—someone with over three years of driving experience who can provide real-time guidance from the passenger seat. Highways are different from city roads, with more large trucks and greater wind resistance, making it easy for beginners to misjudge distances. I suggest that new drivers spend their first six months practicing on national roads to get familiar with their vehicle's performance. Then, they can find someone to accompany them on short highway trips to adapt to the pace—it's safer and more worry-free.

The penalty for driving alone on the highway during the probationary period is quite clear: a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan, with a possible 3-point deduction. The key issue is that if caught, traffic police will require you to exit at the nearest exit, which can be troublesome if you're in a hurry. It's best for new drivers to display a probationary sign on their vehicle, as this encourages other drivers to be more accommodating on regular roads. Highway risks are significant—I've seen new drivers panic after mistakenly entering ETC lanes. In fact, the regulation requiring an experienced driver to accompany you is for your own good; they can remind you to maintain safe distances and anticipate exits in advance—these are lessons that are hard-won through trial and error. Safely getting through the probationary period makes long-distance driving much easier later on.

Novice drivers are mainly penalized in two scenarios: driving alone on highways and not completing the 12-month probationary period. Highway entrances often have traffic police conducting random checks, and they will stop drivers immediately upon spotting a novice license. The fine amount is determined by local traffic authorities, with 200 yuan being the most common. I recommend avoiding highways during early morning or late night hours, as these are peak times for inspections. If you really need to travel long distances, having an experienced driver accompany you can save money—they can help with navigation, keep you company to stay alert, and even pass you a bottle of water from the passenger seat, which is safer than reaching for it yourself. Before completing the probationary period, remember to use navigation frequently to check road conditions and avoid driving in rainy or foggy weather. Developing safe driving habits will give you peace of mind when taking your family on trips in the future.


