How many learner plates do you need

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In the UK and NI, a learner driver must display 2 L plates front and rear o the vehicle. The L plate must adhere to the definition of a red letter "L" displayed on a white background, see dimension in image to the right.  In Wales, the L can be replaced with a "D".  Along with displaying L plates, you must have learner driver insurance or provisional insurance, and be accompanied by a qualified driver with a minimum of 3 years driving experience or an instructor with driving school fleet insurance cover.   

Where to put L plates on car uk?

The learner plates must be placed on the front and back of your vehicle, so they can be seen easily. The must does not give any leeway for displaying the plates in any other place other than specified.

L plates for Learners

Can you put L plates in the window

L plates can be placed on the car window front and rear, but it is not advisable as the highway code doe state the L plates must be clearly visible to other road users. Below are 2 reasons that placing L plates on the car window may not be a good idea.  

  • Vision : They car restrict vision and this may be an issue if stopped by the police.
  • Visibility :  L plates stuck to windows can be difficult for other motorists to see, particularly on sunny days.

Can you put l plates on the car bumper?

Plates can be placed on the car bumper, but they must be clearly visible. As such if your car has low bumpers this would not be advisable as you could be breaking the law regarding L plate visibility.

How to stick l plates on a car

For a good bond, it is imperative that the surface is cleaned in advance of any sticking of L plates. The surface should be free of dust and grease, preparing the surface will reduce any chance the plate will later come lose. How to stick will depend on if the plate is self adhesive or comes with magnetic strips, or is completely magnetic, and the type will dictate the method of bonding to the car surface. 

Is it illegal to drive with l plates when not a learner UK?

It is not illegal to drive with L plates after qualifying as a driver or as a driver sharing a car being used by a learner driver, who forget to remove the L plates.

When you refer to the Highway Code under Annex 3 Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements, you will find this statement, "Plates should be removed or covered when not being driven by a learner (except on driving school vehicles)". The "should be" part of the sentence gives some freedom for those diving with L plates displayed that are not leaner drivers. If you have just passed your test the urge is to remove the L plates, but better wait until you reach home and heck any conditions under the rules of the car insurance for driving test policy, as to if you are still insured after you pass your test. Most polices will give you some additional time for the drive home before becoming invalid.

Types of L Plates

  • Magnetic L Plates  : These are most common as they are easy to use. The ease of use comes only with the high quality ones that have strong magnet to reduce the chance that they fall off, which is the last thing you need to happen. 
  • Self Adhesive : These use adhesive so are difficult o remove and could also damage your paintwork, use with caution.
  • Self Clinging : These are the traditional L plate that stick to the window, after applying some water mist or saliva 
  • Tie on - These are literarily ties to the bumpers, this is not suitable for most modern cars. 

What's the fine for driving without l plates ?

The fine can be as high as a £200 FINE and 6 penalty points, for not driving without L plates. In addition, you could also face this staggering fine by displaying L plates of the incorrect dimensions. The correct dimensions are specified as 178 mm x 178 mm to meet the legal specifications. In order to avoid falling foul of the law, we recommend checking the measurements or only buying your plates from a reputable source.

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