
According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations," the minimum speed on the highway must not be less than 60 kilometers per hour, and the maximum speed must not exceed 120 kilometers per hour. Novice drivers can drive a bit slower on the highway, such as 80 kilometers per hour, but they must not occupy the overtaking lane. Below are some precautions for novice drivers on the highway: 1. Conduct a vehicle inspection in advance, focusing on fuel, oil, tire pressure, lights, etc., and plan the route. It is best to have an experienced driver with at least 3 years of driving experience accompany you. 2. Unlike regular roads, highways have speed limits. The minimum speed must not be less than 60 kilometers per hour, and the maximum speed must not exceed 120 kilometers per hour. Therefore, as a novice driver, it is acceptable to drive at a lower speed, but do not go below the minimum limit. According to traffic regulations, driving below the minimum speed limit on the highway will result in a 3-point penalty. 3. Follow road signs and drive in the appropriate lane. If you need to overtake, always signal in advance, check the rearview mirror, and then move into the overtaking lane. After overtaking, follow the same steps: signal in advance, check the rearview mirror, and return to the driving lane. 4. Due to the high speed on the highway, road signs can pass by very quickly. Therefore, pay close attention to signs or navigation. If you miss an exit, do not panic or attempt to brake suddenly or make a U-turn. Instead, maintain your speed and continue driving to the next exit to return to your original route. 5. If you feel drowsy, make sure to rest at a service area. Never drive while fatigued, as the consequences can be severe. 6. Maintain a safe following distance. Novice drivers, due to their lack of experience, may misjudge situations. Therefore, control your speed and keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front of you.

When I first take someone to drive on the highway, I emphasize maintaining a speed between 90 to 100 kilometers per hour as the most stable choice. Beginners, due to lack of experience and slower reaction times, may struggle to handle sudden situations if the speed exceeds 110 km/h, such as extended emergency braking distances or lane-changing errors. Driving too slowly, like at 60 km/h, below the minimum speed limit, also poses risks when faster vehicles approach from behind, potentially causing traffic congestion or even fines. Choosing the slow lane and maintaining a sufficient following distance, at least 200 meters, enhances safety. It's advisable to practice during clear weather and low-traffic periods to gradually gain experience, avoiding the urge to push speed limits. After a few drives, once familiar with highway conditions and noise patterns, naturally increase speed to the normal range of 100 to 120 km/h—this approach is both the safest and most practical. Driving is a gradual process; don’t rush it.

Last time when teaching someone how to drive on the highway, I recalled the initial stage and suggested that beginners should first try maintaining a speed between 85 to 105 km/h. Going too fast beyond 110 km/h can cause panic, sweaty palms; driving too slow below 70 km/h turns you into a moving roadblock, inviting honks from behind which adds pressure. The best approach is to find a balance—cruise steadily at 95 km/h in the slow lane, not too far from the minimum speed limit of 60 km/h, with a buffer up to the maximum of 120 km/h, allowing easy adjustments for strong winds or slippery roads. Initially, don’t obsess over the speedometer; focus on lane stability and the dynamics of the car ahead, using navigation to assist with speed limit changes. After driving a few stretches and gaining confidence, gradually adjust from low to high speeds in small steps. The key is practice—once familiar with the car’s inertia, speed control will come naturally.

According to traffic regulations, the speed limit on highways is typically a minimum of 60 km/h and a maximum of 120 km/h. For first-time drivers on the highway, I believe maintaining a speed around 100 km/h is most reasonable—avoiding speeds that are too low (which may violate regulations and create hazards) or too high (which may increase control risks). In practice, always check the roadside speed limit signs, as mountainous areas or zones may have special requirements. Adopt a simple strategy: maintain a steady speed in the slow lane, keep a three-second following distance, and anticipate complex situations in advance. This way, you can follow the rules without becoming overly tense or losing control.

For first-time highway driving, beginners often experience a racing heart. Setting the speed too high can increase anxiety, while too low may risk being overwhelmed by traffic. I recommend starting at 80 km/h, gradually merging into the slow lane. Once accustomed to the slight steering wheel vibration and noise, gradually increase to 90 or 95 km/h. Maintain a 500-meter following distance to allow ample reaction time, and choose straight sections with fewer intersections for practice. If feeling uneasy, ask a friend to ride along in the passenger seat for guidance and reassurance. Over time, naturally increasing speed to over 100 km/h will become effortless. Starting slow and adapting quickly is key.

In terms of vehicle performance, it is optimal for beginners to maintain a stable speed between 90 to 100 km/h on highways. This ensures smooth and easy control, with less sensitive steering and shorter braking distances with quick response. Exceeding 110 km/h makes the steering wheel overly sensitive, easily causing lane deviation. Driving too slow, such as at 70 km/h, leads to significant engine vibration, faster wear, and increased fuel consumption. It is recommended to use cruise control to maintain a constant speed and practice vehicle handling skills on straight and flat road sections, making it easier and safer to get through the novice period.


