With out knowing what code you have set, that question can not be answered. Some codes can be caused by failures that can be damaging to the engine.
If the light is not flashing you can drive it until you can have it repaired. If the check engine light is flashing, park it. Otherwise you will do catastrophic damage to the catalytic converter costing several hundreds of dollars to replace.
Get the car scanned and the codes should give you some guidance of where to start.
The light is NOT a low oil light. It is a low OIL PRESSURE light. You can drive it until the engine seizes. Of course internal engine damage will start to occur as soon as the light comes on and you have no oil pressure if you continue to drive the vehicle.
How long of a drive you need to allow the drive cycle to complete to remove the engine malfunction light depends on the type of car you are driving. This information is normally listed in the vehicle's manual and includes things like how long to drive at certain speeds and temperatures.
not a complete "emergency" but s soon as possible. no more than a few days.
It depends on the failure. It could be on immediately or it could take days.
oil pressure switch oil pressure low worn engine did you drive with no oil in for a long time are there any noises in the engine
The service engine soon light is on because the ECM (Engine Control Module) has detected something wrong with the system. Until the problem is fixed the light will remain on. Any attempt to reset the light without making repairs will result only in the light coming back on again. Have a trusted mechanic diagnose the problem for you soon. Waiting may cost you more in the long run.
A malfunction with the engines emission control system has been detected and requires service / repair . If the light stays on , and the problem doesn't correct itself after using the vehicle a few times , have it checked out . ( As long as the light isn't blinking , which indicates a engine cylinder misfire , and no other warning lights are on , and your engine temperature and oil pressure are O.K. etc. )
Drive the vehicle for 5 full driving cycles and if the light stays off you are ok and can pass inspection.
you can reset it by disconnecing the battery for 1 hour then drive it for 10 to 20 miles and as long as there is no problems then it will stay out.
service engine soon is a light that comes on when there is an emission related issue. if left for long period of time, can make the car run bad and sometimes cause other problems later ( may destroy catalytic converter)....