If you’ve recently passed your driving test or have a test coming up, you’re probably thinking about the ways you can make driving alone for the first time a bit easier. Many people say that using P plates after you’ve passed your driving test is essential because it makes other drivers on the road aware that you are a new driver and they may be more understanding if you make mistakes. P-plates can be especially useful if you’re driving in busy towns and cities with fast moving traffic, something you’ll understand if you’ve been taking your driving lessons in London for example. On the other hand, some people believe that P plates attract unnecessary attention and can cause drivers to be more inconsiderate and impatient than usual. We’re here to help you decide whether or not P plates are for you.
What are P-plates?
Green P (probationary) plates can be displayed to show other drivers that you’ve just passed your driving test. You are not required by law to display P plates on your vehicle after passing your test; however, many new drivers choose to use them. You can leave P plates on your car for as long as you feel necessary, which is particularly useful for nervous drivers as they can leave them on until they feel more confident.
Driving alone for the first time
So you’ve finished your driving lessons and passed your driving test, that’s the hard part done, right? Wrong, the hard part comes once you’ve passed and are out on the roads by yourself. You will continue to learn after you’ve passed your driving test and gain more independent driving experience. But don’t worry, if you weren’t capable of doing it alone, you wouldn’t have passed.
Driving alone for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience for anyone, but displaying P plates on your car can add a bit of reassurance for some new drivers.
What are the pros and cons of using P plates?
There are numerous reasons people are for or against new drivers using P-plates. We have put together a list of the pros and cons to make things a little easier for you.
Pros of using P-plates
- Displaying a P plate makes other drivers aware that you are a new driver and they will hopefully be a bit more cautious
- Can encourage other road users to be more patient and considerate as they can see you are a new driver
- Other road users will be more understanding if you make mistakes, stall or are a bit hesitant at junctions
Cons of using P-plates
- Some people worry that it draws unnecessary attention to themselves and makes other drivers think they are a bad driver
- Sometimes, people will overtake drivers with P plates as soon as they see them as they assume they are going to be driving slow
- P plates can sometimes have the opposite effect intended and make some drivers more impatient and frustrated, this, however, is rare
How long should I keep my P plates on for?
If you’re considering putting P plates on your car, you might be wondering how long you should display them for. There are no specific rules regarding how long P plates should be displayed for; it depends on the driver and how confident they are. We recommend you keep your P plates on for as long as you feel necessary and only remove them once you’re entirely comfortable and ready.
Our advice on P-plates
It is entirely up to you whether or not you use P plates after you pass. Our best advice would be to do whatever makes you feel comfortable and whatever is going to help you drive to the best of your ability. Whatever you decide to do, just remember you have passed your driving test, so you are a good driver, stick to what you’ve been taught during your lessons, and you will be fine.
