What to Pay Attention to During the Probationary Period of a Driver's License?
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There are many important considerations during the probationary period of a driver's license. Here are the main points to pay attention to during the probationary period: 1. Special vehicles cannot be driven during the probationary period: During the probationary period, new drivers are not allowed to drive buses, commercial passenger vehicles, police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, or engineering rescue vehicles on duty, as well as motor vehicles carrying explosives, flammable and explosive chemicals, highly toxic or radioactive materials, and other hazardous items. The motor vehicle driven cannot tow a trailer. 2. Cannot drive alone on highways during the probationary period: New drivers cannot drive alone on highways during the probationary period and must be accompanied by a driver with more than 3 years of driving experience in the front passenger seat. The accompanying driver should provide guidance to the probationary driver. Driving without a qualified accompanying driver or with an unqualified accompanying driver will result in a fine of 200 yuan. 3. Must display a probationary sign: When driving during the probationary period, a standardized probationary sign issued by the traffic management department must be affixed or hung at the rear of the vehicle. 4. Accumulating 12 points during the probationary period will revoke the license: If a new driver accumulates 12 penalty points during the probationary period, the driving qualification for the probationary vehicle type will be revoked. If the revoked qualification is not for the highest permitted vehicle type, the highest permitted vehicle type driving qualification will also be revoked.
As someone who just passed the probationary period, the deepest lesson is not to dig your own grave. Always make sure a licensed driver with at least three years of experience sits in the passenger seat before hitting the highway—getting caught means retaking the test. Remember to display the 'new driver' sticker on the rear of your car; though awkward, it can save your life—other drivers will leave an extra half-car length when they see it. Last year, during rain, my car skidded on an overpass, and it was only thanks to the car behind me slowing down in time that I avoided a rear-end collision. Also, avoid fiddling with your phone or GPS mount—I once nearly scraped a guardrail glancing down at directions. Now, every time I refuel, I check my tire treads; newbies' tires are magnets for nails. Keep a jump starter in your car at all times—the memory of being called at midnight by a fellow newbie whose car wouldn’t start is too vivid.
Three things I repeatedly reminded my friend's son after he got his license: never drive alone on the highway, as getting caught by traffic police will result in immediate license revocation; don't practice driving in a friend's car, as insurance usually doesn't cover drivers in the probationary period; avoid long-distance night driving. Once, he secretly went on a road trip and almost drove off the provincial highway due to fatigue. Getting 6 demerit points during the probationary period extends it, which is particularly frustrating – someone got caught twice looking at WeChat at a red light and lost their license. When refueling, observe how experienced drivers start moving; at red lights, don't keep pressing the brake – mastering autohold can save half the leg effort. Always check the headlight switch after starting the car; fumbling for buttons in the dark is the most distracting.
What driving schools often miss is crucial. New drivers frequently forget to check blind spots when changing lanes—a small convex mirror can be a lifesaver. Don't assume a C1 license can't drive small trucks; some trainees mistakenly drove light vans and got their vehicles impounded. Magnetic phone mounts are the most stable—a falling mount in a critical moment can be deadly. Avoid placing decorations other than parking permits on the windshield; a 50-yuan fine is minor, but obstructed vision is serious. Don't use hazard lights while driving in heavy rain—front and rear fog lights are safer. Place the 'new driver' sticker directly below the rear window; sticking it on the bumper risks getting covered in mud. Check brake fluid weekly—new drivers brake harder, causing faster wear.
