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Can any car drivers display "P" plates?

(3 Posts)
infoman Tue 30-Dec-25 07:03:45

didn't know that the "P" plates that we see on newly qualified drivers on their cars are not compulsory,they are voluntary.
Just wondering if it would be illegal to display them if you were not a newly qualified driver.

madeleine45 Tue 30-Dec-25 07:09:12

I have always wished that there was a plate with either E for estrangero, or S for stranger that we could put up when we first arrive in a new to us city. I used to know my way round Birmingham very well, and I am a competent and confident driver but it is years since I went there and if you could put these plates up , it would tell the local driver that you are liable to be in the wrong lane or not very sure of your way round. Hopefully this would mean that they would allow you a little leeway and it would help people to know you might not be very sure of your way at roundabouts. I am not sure about the legality of using the P plates, perhaps a look at the rules of the road might tell you

ViceVersa Tue 30-Dec-25 07:25:42

P plates (or D plates in Wales) are not a legal requirement, so you can leave them on your vehicle as long as you want. In Northern Ireland, drivers who have just passed their test have to display R (Restricted) plates for a year.