Will points be deducted for driving on the highway during the probationary period?
4 Answers
No points will be deducted for driving on the highway during the probationary period, but a fine will be imposed. According to the regulations on the application and use of motor vehicle driver's licenses: If a driver drives a motor vehicle on the highway during the probationary period, they must be accompanied by a driver who has held a driver's license for the corresponding or higher vehicle type for more than three years. The accompanying driver should sit in the front passenger seat to guide the probationary driver. During the probationary period, the owner must affix a uniform-style probationary sign at the rear of the vehicle. New drivers should note that if an accident occurs on the highway during the probationary period, the insurance company is very likely to refuse compensation.
When I first got my driver's license, the one-year probation period was really challenging, especially when it came to highway driving. According to regulations, driving alone on the highway during the probation period is indeed not allowed—you must be accompanied by an experienced driver with at least three years of driving experience. If caught driving solo, a fine is inevitable, usually under 200 RMB. Fortunately, this violation doesn’t deduct points, which is a small relief. But honestly, this rule is absolutely necessary. Highways involve high speeds, and new drivers lack experience, making them prone to panic in emergencies. During my probation period, I almost rear-ended someone on the highway, and it was only thanks to my dad’s timely warning from the passenger seat that I avoided it. New drivers naturally lack proficiency, so for everyone’s safety, it’s not worth trying to save money—just follow the rules and drive with a qualified companion.
During my time in driving school, the instructor repeatedly emphasized the issue of driving alone on the highway during the probationary period. The penalty rules are as follows: although no points are deducted, a fine is definitely imposed, usually ranging from 20 to 200 yuan. Last month, my cousin got caught in this situation. She was in a hurry to return to her hometown and drove on the highway alone, only to be stopped at the toll booth and fined 150 yuan on the spot. The most troublesome part is that the traffic police will also require you to exit at the nearest exit, which can disrupt your entire trip. Actually, this regulation is quite reasonable. New drivers have less experience on highways, struggle with judging following distances, and hesitate when changing lanes. Back then, I only dared to drive on the highway after six months of practice, and I specifically asked my uncle, who drives a taxi, to accompany me. On the highway, the speed is high, and the margin for error is low, so having someone accompany you is indeed much safer.
It's definitely not allowed for novice drivers during their probationary period to drive alone on the highway. If caught, they will be fined. The specific amount depends on the situation, ranging from 20 to 200 yuan, but no points will be deducted from the driver's license. This regulation primarily considers safety concerns, as probationary drivers lack sufficient experience in handling emergencies. On the highway, all vehicles are traveling at speeds above 80 km/h, and even a slight misjudgment can lead to an accident. When teaching new drivers, I always emphasize that they should first master the basics in urban areas for the first six months, becoming proficient in lane changes and overtaking before considering highway driving. If it's absolutely necessary to drive on the highway, it's best to have an experienced driver in the passenger seat for guidance, which is both legal and safe. Moreover, the probationary period passes quickly, so there's no need to rush and take unnecessary risks.
