Which lane should a novice drive on the highway?
4 Answers
The second lane from the left. Highway regulations stipulate: the first lane from the left is the temporary overtaking lane and should not be occupied for extended periods. The third lane is generally for large vehicles, and it's essential to maintain a safe distance. The far right lane is the emergency lane, typically reserved for rescue and emergency situations; non-emergency vehicles are not allowed to occupy it. Precautions for new cars driving on the highway are as follows: Working hours: Within the first 2000 kilometers, avoid running the engine continuously for more than 2 hours. Prolonged continuous operation of a new car can accelerate component wear, directly affecting the vehicle's lifespan. Remove the speed limiter in advance: Vehicles are equipped with a speed limiter before leaving the factory, which is a throttle device installed between the carburetor and the intake pipe.
As someone with over a decade of driving experience, I think beginners should stick to the right lane on highways. That lane is called the slow lane, with lower speed requirements, making it suitable for new drivers to maintain a steady pace without too much pressure. The middle lane sometimes has too much traffic, and beginners can easily panic when being overtaken; the far left is the overtaking lane, which beginners should avoid because of the high speeds and frequent lane changes – a slight mistake could lead to an accident. When first starting highway driving, the focus should be on gaining experience, not rushing to go fast. I recommend finding a less busy highway entrance to practice, maintaining a safe distance and using turn signals frequently. Only consider changing lanes after gaining familiarity. Remember, safety comes first—don’t take risks just to save time.
When I first got my driver's license, I was particularly nervous about driving on the highway, so I chose the far-right lane. That lane was relatively quiet, with a speed limit of around 80 km/h, making it less likely for cars behind to honk aggressively. During my first time on the highway, I tried to maintain a steady speed and avoided changing lanes too much, as beginners often misjudge distances when switching lanes. Although the right lane is close to entrances and exits, planning the route in advance actually helped reduce unexpected situations. Looking back, that sense of security helped me build confidence and gradually adapt to the highway environment. Now that I've been driving for a long time, I occasionally miss that simple stage. My advice to beginners is not to put too much pressure on themselves—starting slow is the most reliable way to practice.
From a safety perspective, I believe novice drivers should prioritize using the middle lane on highways. That lane is farther from emergency stopping areas and entrance ramps, reducing the risk of accidents, and is less likely to be affected when new drivers have unstable control. The core of highway driving is anticipation – novices often get distracted checking navigation or speedometers, and the middle lane provides a buffer from vehicles on either side. Remember to maintain at least a 100-meter following distance, frequently check mirrors, and avoid phone distractions. Given the complexity of highway conditions, beginners should avoid practicing during rain or peak hours – smooth and steady driving should be the priority.
