Newly qualified driver - which plate to use?

[WilliamJRead]

Square white plates are available for newly qualified drivers; some have a green P and others have a green L. What is the difference between the two plates?

[Stephen_G]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L-plate

If you go to the United Kingdom bit, it kind of gives the impression that a new driver (But has been driving for a few months) displays the Green P plate. Someone who has just passed the test would display the Green L plate (The red version being pre-test). Hope this reads OK, William.

[Panic Button]

That's not quite what it says Judge:

After learners in Great Britain pass their driving test, they may opt to display green P-plates (for "probationary") to show their lack of experience; this is entirely voluntary however. Some new drivers use green L plates (the pre-test colour being red), however as the L usually stands for Learner it is more common to use P Plates.

[denis567]

Panic Button is quite right, the use of green 'L' and 'P' plates is not compulsory on the mainland, however in Northern Ireland the 'P' plate is compulsory for 6 months after passing the test.

[Panic Button]

Those aren\'t my words, they are a cut and paste of Judge\'s link on Wiki

[sue34]

use green p plates i used mine for 5 weeks

passed test 6 weeks ago

[WilliamJRead]

Thanks for these helpful answers.