L and P plates explained

As a beginner or learner driver, getting behind the wheel can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.

And with all the traffic signs and symbols you’ll need to pay attention to on your journey, there are two you can slap on your car that signal to motorists that you may need some extra consideration.

Whether you’re starting your driving lessons or thinking ahead to your car insurance needs, getting to know the difference between ‘L’ and ‘P’ plates is a good start.

L plates stand for ‘Learner Plates,’ and “any vehicle driven by a learner must display red L plates.” ^{Footnote [1]} In Wales, you have a choice of either red D plates, red L plates, or both.

How many L plates do you need? 

You’ll need two. You must place your L plates so that they’re visible to others from the front and the back of your vehicle.

When should you show your L plates?

Your L plates will either stick on with a peel back adhesive or as a magnet. And 4 points to remember:^{Footnote [1]}

1. the L plates must be on your vehicle when
   
   • you practice driving (with someone who is at least 21 years old and who has held a valid UK driving licence for at least 3 years).
   • you take your practical driving exam.
2. make sure to cover or remove your L plates if a non-learner is driving.
3. that it must have a red letter ‘L’ on a white background and meet the dimension requirements below.
4. you can get up to 6 penalty points if you don’t show an L plate or it’s not the right size.

P plates stand for ‘Probationary plates’ and you can have these on your car to signal that you’re a newly qualified driver.

P plates look like L plates, except they have a green ‘P’ instead of a red ‘L’. They’re not mandatory to have on your car, like L plates, but you may find some benefits in sticking them on.

Why use P plates?

Ultimately, they communicate to other road users that:

1. you’re a new driver.
2. you may need some extra time and space.
3. you hope they can be patient because feeling pressure could lead to anxiety and mistakes. 

How long can you use P plates?

There aren’t any hard rules about how long you can use P plates. According to GOV.UK, “you can leave them on your vehicle for as long as you like.” ^{Footnote [2]}