What are the precautions during the probationary period of a driver's license?
3 Answers
During the probationary period of a driver's license, there are mainly the following precautions: 1. Drivers operating motor vehicles during the probationary period should affix or display a uniform-style probationary sign at the rear of the vehicle. 2. When driving on highways during the probationary period, the driver must be accompanied by someone who has held a driver's license for the same or a higher vehicle category for more than three years. 3. During the probationary period, drivers are prohibited from operating buses, commercial passenger vehicles, police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, engineering rescue vehicles, or vehicles carrying explosives, flammable and explosive chemicals, highly toxic substances, radioactive materials, or other hazardous items.
After getting my driver's license, I really need to be extra careful during the one-year probationary period. Every time before driving, I must hang a probationary sign on the rear windshield—it's not just a formality. It lets other drivers know I'm a beginner and helps avoid reckless overtaking. There are quite a few legal restrictions, like not being allowed to drive alone on highways, so I practice lane changes and parking more in my neighborhood or familiar routes. Don’t drive too fast; keep it under 60 mph, or it’s easy to lose control. Also, absolutely no drunk driving—not even one beer. The police are strict, and fines, points, and insurance impacts can affect future car purchases. I think it’s best to avoid driving at night, especially in rainy or foggy conditions when visibility is poor and accident rates are higher. Driving with friends or family helps—they can give real-time feedback, like correcting turning radius or maintaining safe following distance. The probationary period is a great time to build experience, so don’t rush to show off—steady progress is safer. I’ve also developed the habit of checking lights and tire pressure before every drive, which helps with long-term safe driving.
As a new driver, I'm both excited and nervous at the beginning of my probationary period. I've put a 'New Driver' sign on my car, and my friends suggested I practice more on low-speed urban roads to get used to accelerating, decelerating, and steering. Legally, I can't drive on highways alone, so I only drive on surface roads during daylight hours. I need to control my speed and not exceed the speed limit by too much, as new drivers might not react quickly enough to sudden situations. Most importantly, I must never drink and drive, as any violations during the probationary period will be recorded and cause issues when renewing my license later. I often take opportunities to practice emergency braking and pedestrian avoidance, as real driving is much more complex than simulations at driving school—like dealing with aggressive drivers at intersections or sudden electric bike turns. To avoid fatigue, I take breaks every hour to drink water and stretch. The purpose of the probationary period is to build confidence and good habits—drive slowly and prioritize safety, so I'll feel much more confident after a year. I've also found that using phone navigation less and memorizing road signs more helps improve driving skills.
