All learner drivers in the UK must display learner plates every time they are driving a car. They alert other road users that there's a novice driver controlling the car.
While we know you'll be excited to get behind the wheel and get your hands on a full driving licence, take a look over our guide to L plates to make sure you'll be learning on the right side of the law.
In the UK, learner plates are displayed on the front and back of a vehicle to show others that a learner driver is in control of the vehicle.
In Wales, either red D plates, red L plates, or both, can be used while a learner is driving a vehicle. This is due to the bilingual legislation in force within the country.
Yes. Learners driving a vehicle must display L plate stickers at all times. You can get up to six penalty points on your licence if you don’t display a learner plate or if it isn’t the right size.
A provisional licence allows you to drive on all UK roads except motorways, but you must be accompanied by a driving instructor, family member or friend who is:
These restrictions are lifted as soon as you pass your driving test, even if you haven’t received your full licence yet.
Any vehicle driven by a learner must display red L plate stickers at all times.
Learner plates should be removed or covered when the vehicle isn’t being driven by a learner, unless it’s a driving school car.
There must be two L plates displayed on the vehicle.
Learner plates must be visible to others from the front of the vehicle and from behind the vehicle.
L plates must be placed on the front and rear of a car. Avoid fixing them to the windscreen or back window, as they can restrict your view. Example of where to put L plates on a car:
Yes. They must conform to legal specifications.
By law, it must be a red letter on a white background with the following size:
You can search online to buy L plates or check your local stores such as Halfords, Wilkinson’s etc.
Magnetic L plates and sticky L plates (adhesive L plates) are the most common options.
You must ensure that you use the correct ones for the vehicle surface. They must be secured on the vehicle so they do not fall off.
It is legal to print your own L plates as long as they are the correct size.
Download your printable L plate.
Yes, and you have a few options here:
You do not need your own insurance when learning on a driving school car as the instructor is responsible for the car and student insurance.
After passing the test, as a fully qualified driver, you can no longer display the L plates. Instead you may opt to use the P plates.
In the UK, you can display green (probationary) P plates to show that you’ve just passed your driving test.
P plates show that you have less experience than other drivers.
Unlike learner plates, P plates are not a legal requirement. They are used on a voluntary basis.
You can leave them on your vehicle for as long as you like, until you feel confident enough to remove them.
Similar to L plates, the green P plates can be placed on the front and back of a car. The P plate position must not obstruct the driver’s visibility. Example of where to put P plates on a car:
You can download your printable P plate here.
You can learn more about L plates and P plates laws, rules and regulations on gov.uk, Legislation.gov.uk and The Highway Code.