Which lane should a novice take when driving on the highway?

[ElenaFitz]

Novices can drive in any lane on the highway. Key precautions for highway driving include: 1. Both the driver and front-seat passenger must wear seat belts, and the driver should not use a phone while driving; 2. Avoid sudden steering wheel movements at high speeds; 3. Do not change lanes arbitrarily—always use turn signals in advance when changing lanes or overtaking; 4. Only use adjacent lanes for overtaking and return to the original lane immediately afterward. Do not straddle or drive on lane dividers; 5. Do not reverse, drive against traffic, make U-turns across the median, or overtake or park on ramps; 6. Maintain a following distance of at least 100 meters. When speed drops below 100 km/h, the distance can be appropriately reduced but must not be less than 50 meters.

[Joe]

I was quite nervous the first time I drove on the highway. I remember my friend suggested I stay in the middle lane as much as possible because the left lane is for overtaking, where the speed is too fast and can easily fluster a beginner. Although the right lane is slower, there are often large trucks or vehicles entering/exiting, making sudden lane changes risky. The middle lane has more stable speeds and spacious room, giving me more time to react, such as when encountering traffic jams or bad weather. As a novice driver with limited experience, don’t follow the trend of driving too fast, but also don’t drive so slowly that you affect others—just stay within the speed limit. I’ve also heard that on the highway, you should signal early before changing lanes, check the rearview mirror and blind spots, and avoid cutting in suddenly. After practicing a few times, I felt much more confident, but at the beginning, it’s safest to stick to the middle lane.

[McDelaney]

I've been driving on highways for many years, and I feel that beginners are most suited to stay in the right or middle lane. The right lane has lower speeds, making it easier for those with less experience to control their speed, avoiding going too fast and risking a crash or too slow and getting rear-ended. The left lane on the highway is called the fast lane, designed specifically for overtaking. If a beginner mistakenly uses it, they might not only be pressured to speed up but also risk causing an accident. The middle lane offers more buffer space, making it easier to maintain a safe following distance, especially during peak hours when traffic is heavy. This helps nervous beginners avoid frequent lane changes. My personal advice is to set up navigation reminders for lane positions as soon as you get in the car, avoid attempting overtaking until you're more experienced, and practice gradually. Also, always check tire pressure and lights before driving, as a tire blowout on the highway can be very dangerous.

[MacKeegan]

As someone who frequently teaches people to drive, I emphasize that beginners should primarily use the right lane on highways because the speed is slower and there are fewer distractions. The left fast lane is too challenging for beginners, with high pressure from overtaking; the middle lane is decent but prone to being sandwiched; the right lane offers a longer safe distance, making it ideal for practicing stability. Highway rules are clear: beginners should maintain a steady speed, avoid sudden acceleration, and change lanes in advance when approaching service areas or exits. I recommend having an experienced driver in the passenger seat for the first few trips to guide you on checking mirrors and blind spots, and to take over if fatigue sets in. Develop the habit of regularly checking brakes and fuel levels—these small practices can significantly enhance driving safety.

[Ingrid]

I still remember when I first got my driver's license and went on the highway, I felt quite nervous. But now, I'd recommend new drivers to stay in the middle lane for peace of mind. The left overtaking lane is as fast as a racetrack, where beginners might easily speed out of control. The right lane has frequent merging and exiting traffic, which could cause new drivers to miss exits or panic. The middle lane offers a balanced position with moderate speed and open visibility, helping you naturally adapt to highway rhythm. Chatting with friends, they all agreed that beginners shouldn't try to show off—safety comes first, and no one will laugh if you drive slower. By the way, don't use your phone on the highway; stay focused on road conditions. Next time you take a long trip, try relaxing with music, but keep the volume low to avoid distraction.