Whether you’re learning to drive or are newly qualified, knowing when and how to use L and P plates is essential. This guide explains the legal rules, best practices, and why many new drivers choose to display P plates.
🟢 L Plates (Learner Plates): What You Must Know
✅ Legal Requirements
- Learner drivers must display L plates at all times when driving.
- The plates must be red L on a white background, conform to size standards, and be clearly visible from the front and rear.
- In Wales, D plates (red “D” for “dysgwr”) are also acceptable.
- Failing to display proper L plates (or incorrectly sized/visible ones) can attract up to 6 penalty points on your provisional licence or a fine.
- When a vehicle is not being driven by a learner, the L plates should be removed or covered.
🧾 Placement & Visibility
- Place one plate on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle, in an obvious, unobstructed position.
- Avoid placing them on windshields if they block visibility.
- The plates should remain clean and not faded, so they’re easily readable by other road users.
🛣 Motorway Driving
- Since June 2018, learner drivers may drive on motorways, but only under conditions:
- They must be accompanied by an approved driving instructor (ADI).
- The vehicle must have dual controls installed.
- L plates must still be displayed unless a rooftop instructor box is used and the L plates are not required in that setup.
- Learner drivers cannot drive on motorways with a non-instructor supervisor (e.g. a family member).
- Also, learner insurance may not cover motorway driving unless specifically set for instructor-led motorway lessons.
🟩 P Plates (Probationary / Post-Test Plates)
✅ What Are P Plates?
- P plates are optional green “P” plates that new drivers may use after passing their test to indicate they are still gaining experience.
- Unlike L plates, P plates are not legally required.
- They follow similar placement guidelines as L plates for visibility (front & rear).
🧩 Why Use P Plates?
- They signal to other drivers that you may still make mistakes or drive more cautiously.
- Many new drivers keep them on until they feel more confident. There is no time limit legally for using P plates (in Great Britain).
❗ Things to Note
- Since P plates are optional, removing them does not break any law.
- P plates do not impose extra legal restrictions on your driving (beyond normal rules).
- In Northern Ireland, new drivers may need to display R plates (restricted driver plates) rather than P plates.
🧠 Instructor Tips & Best Practices
- Use P plates if you want a bit more patience from other drivers early on after passing. But don’t rely on them – you’re still driving must still obey all rules.
- Once you’re no longer driving as a learner, remove L plates immediately before someone else drives the car.
- For motorway lessons, ensure your L plates are correctly displayed if your instructor is not using a rooftop box setup.
- If your plates are magnetic or adhesive, check that they are secure before every drive (so they don’t fall off or obscure visibility).
📋 Checklist for L & P Plates Use
- L plates are displayed on both the front and back when a learner drives
- L plates meet the correct size, colouring, and visibility standards
- Plates are clean and free from damage or fading
- L plates are removed or covered when the vehicle is not used by the learner
- For motorway lessons: vehicle has L plates (unless rooftop box used) and is dual-controlled
- After passing, decide whether to use P plates (optional)
- Remove P plates when you feel confident or no longer wish to signal probationary status
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Am I forced to use P plates after passing the test?
A: No—P plates are entirely optional and not legally required.
Q: Can I leave L plates on after passing my test?
A: No—you must remove or cover L plates once you’re no longer a learner. Continuing to display them could mislead other road users.
Q: Can I drive with P plates on a motorway?
A: Yes—once you hold a full licence, P plates don’t restrict where you can drive (unlike learners, who have restrictions on motorway use).
Q: What happens if I drive with L plates but I’m not a learner?
A: It’s illegal to display L plates when you’re not a learner. Some sources note that fully qualified drivers are not allowed to drive with L plates.
📚 Attribution & Official References
Some of the rules and information above are based on official GOV.UK guidance and reputable motoring sources:
- GOV.UK — Using ‘L’ and ‘P’ plates GOV.UK
- RAC — learner / new driver guide on L and P plates RAC
- PassMeFast — L/P plates rules and usage PassMeFast
- Adrian Flux — rules about displaying L plates after passing the test Adrian Flux
