'P' plates

[blueeyes]

I have recently passed my driving test (yay!) and have been using the green 'P' plates because I'm still somewhat... well, all over the place as a driver! Any idea how long I can/should keep them for? I don't use them all the time anyway, but I'm assuming there's no limit? Also, what does the 'P' stand for? People keep asking me and I feel silly for not being sure! Thank you

[Grunty]

The p stands for provisional. They have legal significance in Northern Ireland, where drivers are still subject to a speed limit for a period after passing their test, but not in the rest of the UK. There are about 30 million drivers in the UK, so there are probably at least 30 million opinions on whether they are a good idea and how long they are needed. Personally I think they are not needed, because just after passing your test, you are probably among the safest drivers.

[fo3nix]

P is passed. L is learner. Mainland UK anyway. More confusingly, green L means passed too, and a red L is actually learner.

blueeyes: keep them until you no longer feel you must warn other motorists that you have just passed.

[fo3nix]

btw I think the P officially stands for "probationary."

[blueeyes]

'Passed', 'provisional' and 'probationary' are the ones I thought it might be! Very strange.

Anyway, thanks for the help!

[tomtech]

you could use G B plates. this will warn other motorists that you are getting better! or of course you could just use an england flag!

[ugly_bob]

blueeyes - congrats on passing - now you start to learn to drive! I thought the Government were going to make it law (as it is in other countries) to have these plates for 6 months after passing. If not everyone is using them, there's not a hell of a lot of point.
Although having them on your car will, in general, mean other drivers have a bit more patience with you

[blueeyes]

That is true!
It worries me that they're nicer when you have 'p' plates than when you have the big red 'L's!
Charming.

[WendyS]

The P stands for Probationer, i.e. still learning. A provisional licence holder is somebody who has not yet passed their driving test. I'd be inclined to leave the plates visible until you feel confident, both on general roads and on the motorway in both daylight and during night driving. . It will probably be several months before you find yourself responding to situations automatically.

[rarll]

In Northern Ireland, it is an "R" and not a "P".
It means Restricted. You are restricted to 45 MPH for a period of one year. Good idea in principle.

[blueeyes]

I think that would probably just annoy me!
...and everyone else!
Although I am a good little driver in sticking to speed limits <looks smug>

[spider4]

Take the advanced driving test, it could be the best thing you have ever done!