Learner Plates Rules

About to book your first driving lesson? This is an exciting time when you'll finally get behind the wheel. But before you hit the road, you'll need to make sure you have learner plates on the car you're driving. 

This guide takes you through the main L plate rules, including the legal requirements and reasons why driving with L plates can be helpful for you and those around you. 

What are learner plates and are they a legal requirement?

Learner plates make it easy to spot a learner driver when they're on the road. They are magnetic signs or stickers that are displayed prominently on a car that's being driven by someone who is either taking lessons or taking their practical driving test. 

Displaying L plates – or D plates in Wales – is a legal requirement for anyone who is driving with a provisional licence. The rules around how they're displayed are there to keep you as the learner driver and those around you safe. 

What are the benefits of driving with L plates?

As well as being a legal requirement, there are a few advantages of displaying learner plates while you're learning to drive: 

• Alerting other motorists: They inform other drivers that you're still learning to drive, so they know to give you some space and time. 
• Legal protection: Displaying L plates means you're compliant with UK traffic laws, helping you avoid fines and penalty points.
• Peace of mind: Driving instructors and supervising drivers must display learner plates during a driving lesson. This offers learners and other road users the peace of mind needed while you're getting driving experience. 

Who can use learner plates?

L plates should only be displayed when the vehicle is being driven by a learner driver who has a provisional licence. If the car isn't being driven by a learner driver, the plates should be covered or removed. 

What are some of the main L plate rules?

There are a few rules to be aware of when fixing L plates to a car. By law:  

They should feature a red L on a white background.

• There should be a minimum of two plates that are visible on both the front and back of the vehicle.
• L plates must follow the specified layout and – 178mm x 178mm. The red L should be 102mm x 89mm.
• The learner plates must be displayed while a learner driver is driving the car.

How many L plates are needed and where should they be displayed?

Two L plates should be attached to the car, one at the front and one at the back, before you set off on your driving lesson. You can add more to the sides of the vehicle if you want to, but these aren't a legal requirement. 

Avoid sticking the L plates to the windscreen as this can obstruct your view. Instead, place them on the bonnet of the car or on the bumper. Driving instructors also often have a magnetic sign that sits on top of the car and displays the L plates. 

Are there any penalties for driving without L plates?

You could suffer a couple of penalties if you don't display an L plate or if it’s not the right size:

• You could get a fine
• You can get up to six penalty points on your licence

To avoid this, regularly check that the plates are clean and securely attached. After a few lessons, you might find that they are damaged or not visible anymore. Adjust and secure them so that they are visible and don't fall off during your drive. Or attach new ones.

Do I need L plates for a driving test?

Displaying L plates is compulsory during your driving test, and they must be correctly positioned on the vehicle throughout the examination. Even if you're driving your instructor's car, it's worth double-checking that the plates are in place. 

If the car doesn't have plates or if they're not in the right position, your test could be cancelled, and you won't get a refund. So, make sure the L plates are where they should be before your test. Also, double-check that the rest of the car meets the rules.

Can you use L plates after passing your driving test?

Once you've successfully passed your driving test, you must remove or cover the L plates on your car. However, you might decide to swap the learner plates for green 'P' plates. These tell other motorists that you're a probationary driver who has recently passed your test. While not legally required, P plates can let others know that you're still gaining confidence on the road.

What else do I need before I can take driving lessons?

As well as L plates, there are a few other things you need before you can get behind the wheel. Here's a checklist to help you prepare: 

1. A provisional licence: You can apply for your provisional licence when you are aged 15 years and 9 months, but you need to be aged 17 before you can learn to drive. 
2. A driving instructor or supervisor: The person who teaches you to drive can be a qualified instructor or a friend or family member. They should be over the age of 21 and have held a full UK driving licence for three or more years. They must also be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you’re learning in. However, always check with your insurance company as there may be additional criteria. 
3. Learner insurance: If your driving supervisor is a friend or family member, you'll need your own insurance policy in place. 

Get temporary learner driver insurance with Tempcover

If you ask a friend or family member to teach you to drive instead of a qualified instructor, make sure that the L plates are in place before you set off. It's equally important to take out insurance. Choosing temporary cover for learner drivers means that you have a policy in place during the span of your lessons without having to commit to constant cover. 

To find out more, you can get a quote online today. Alternatively, if you have any questions or need further advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We're always happy to help.