When Can Novice Drivers Drive on Highways?
4 Answers
Novice drivers (those who have just obtained their driver's license) have a one-year probationary period. During this probationary period, if they want to drive on highways, they must be accompanied by a qualified experienced driver in the front passenger seat. After the probationary period, they can drive on highways alone, but they should also consider their own technical skills and experience. Skills needed for highway driving: 1. Following distance: When driving on highways, it's essential to learn how to maintain a safe following distance. This means being able to judge the distance between your car and the vehicles ahead and behind you accurately. When the car in front brakes, you should be able to brake in time to avoid rear-end collisions. Although maintaining a following distance may seem simple, it's easy to drive too fast or too slow at high speeds, making this skill crucial. 2. Overtaking: On highways, you'll encounter various situations. When the car in front is driving too slowly, you should know how to overtake safely. Many new highway drivers are overly cautious, afraid to press the accelerator, and end up driving at the minimum speed limit or even slower. This is actually a very incorrect way of driving.
When I first got my driver's license, I was also eager to hit the highway. Later, I learned that traffic regulations clearly stipulate: the first year after obtaining a license is considered a probationary period. Driving alone on the highway during this time is illegal, and you must have an experienced driver with more than three years of driving experience accompanying you in the passenger seat. Actually, even after the probationary period, don't rush to fly solo. I personally didn't attempt short highway trips until I had driven at least 3,000 kilometers in the city. After all, highway speeds are faster, and lane changes are more abrupt, so it's essential to first get accustomed to medium-speed driving on national roads. Once, when accompanying a novice friend on the highway, I noticed he wasn't even familiar with checking blind spots in the rearview mirror and almost missed an exit. I recommend that beginners first master basic skills like reading road signs in advance and maintaining a safe following distance. For special conditions like rainy days or nighttime driving, it's even more crucial to have someone experienced guide you through a few trips to ensure safety.
From a safety perspective, beginners shouldn't rush to hit the gas pedal on highways. There's a legal requirement that probationary drivers must be accompanied when driving on expressways. However, even after this period, it's best to ensure you've mastered maintaining proper following distance—at 100 km/h speed, keep at least 100 meters gap. I've seen novice drivers panic after emergency lane changes just from a toppled water bottle; it took five practice rounds with them on the ring expressway before they dared attempt long-distance driving. Also pay attention to vehicle condition—worn-out brake pads or unstable tire pressure make 120 km/h blowouts no joke. If you must drive on highways, pick early mornings with lighter traffic and avoid truck-heavy sections.
I was really nervous before my first highway drive, so I specifically checked the regulations and consulted my driving instructor. Traffic rules require that during the probationary period (12 months after obtaining the license), a seasoned driver with at least three years of experience must accompany you in the passenger seat when driving on the highway. Violating this rule can result in immediate fines and penalty points. Even after the probationary period, don’t get overconfident. The first time I drove on the highway, the airflow from a passing truck made my steering wheel wobble, and my palms were sweaty. I recommend practicing on elevated roads or urban expressways first, ensuring you can steadily maintain 80 km/h before attempting the highway. A crucial reminder: check your tires—if the tread depth is below 1.6 mm, avoid the highway at all costs. A novice friend of mine once ignored a bulging tire and had a blowout right after entering the toll booth.
