Should I remove my P plates after 1 month?

Posted by Centroid-Pawn@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 18 comments

Hi everyone, I got my full driving license just over a month ago and have been using the P plates since day 1. I’m driving every day and due to traffic I spend a considerable amount of time on the road, at least 3 hours a day. My dad drove with me recently and he said that many drives are actively trying to bully me so I’ve been thinking of getting rid of the plates. My questions is, is that a good idea? I don’t know if drivers are really trying to bully me or if it’s just my dad being overprotective, but I fear that removing the plates will have people assume I have more experience that I do? It’s worth noting that I already had couple near accidents, and had it not been for my inexplicably fast reflexes my car would’ve been crushed many times already. I had like 4 or 5 cars either pulling out from junctions or pull in to a junction when I less than 4 seconds away from them. I don’t drive too slow or too fast but given my experience, I can’t decide whether removing the plates is a good idea Please let me know your thoughts

18 Comments

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kimba-the-tabby-lion@reddit

Can someone explain to me why people are using them at all? I kept mine on for a year, because I learnt to drive in another country and it was the LAW. I never felt it was a problem, because lots of drivers had them because, as I said, it was the law. I mean, do people even know that P is for probationary? Which is not a type of licence the DVLA issues.

sideone@reddit

>I mean, do people even know that P is for probationary? Which is not a type of licence the DVLA issues. I thought it meant "passed" as in, just passed their test. Although there is a probationary period of two years after passing your driving test where you can lose your licence if you accrue 6 points (rather than 12 for those that have been driving longer).

J8YDG9RTT8N2TG74YS7A@reddit

A friend of mine passed many years ago and has left his L plates on. The vast majority of drivers will be far more patient and give you extra room once they see the L plates. Any driver being a dick would do that regardless of what plates you have.

willp2003@reddit

Having several near misses suggests you’re not paying attention to your surroundings and anticipating what others will do. You can’t rely on everyone driving sensibly however, so I’m not saying it’s your fault. Take them off when you feel confident.

sihasihasi@reddit

I'd say take them off - all they really mean is "I'm new, I might be a bit hesitant". If you're not, then there's really no point having them. > It's worth noting that already had couple near accidents, and had it not been for my inexplicably fast reflexes my car would've been crushed many times already. It may also be worth noting that I've been driving for nearly 40 years. Aside from the idiot stepping in front of me from behind a panel van a few months ago (luckily in a 20mph zone), I can't remember the last time I had to do an emergency stop. It sounds to me like you should stop relying on your "inexplicably fast reflexes", and start driving a bit more defensively. That means being more observant and assuming everybody is out to kill you.

Reesno33@reddit

P plates are for nerds, even if they have "inexplicably fast reflexs"

Polz34@reddit

I never used P plates, but I've also never had a near miss or accident, no speeding tickets or anything so I'm as safe of a driver as you are going to be. Given what you've written I would be keeping them on for longer as it's about making others aware you might need a bit more space/time as you are new at driving.

tweaked9107@reddit

Get rid of them. Much like when people see a learner coming, they'll take risks to make sure they don't get stuck behind you. To me a P plate signals that a driver doesn't think they should have passed their test. If you are satisfied that you passed your test because of competency and not dumb luck, take them off.

Baby8227@reddit

Take them off mate. It’s the equivalent of being the only kid wearing a blazer at school. No need to make yourself a target for the bullies!

HollyGoLately@reddit

Get rid of the plates.

BasildonBond53@reddit

Youve been in several near misses?You’ve got inexplicably fast reflexes? Maybe re-think that one.

makemycockcry@reddit

It's not about time. It's about confidence. Are you confident?

Centroid-Pawn@reddit (OP)

Good question. Having driven consistently + driving through central London around those godawful roundabouts has helped me improve tremendously but I don’t want to get too cocky. I’ll ponder on that

raskalUbend@reddit

I never used them at all, I figure if I passed, then I'm the standard that a road user should be

DameKumquat@reddit

P plates do seem to be an invitation to be bullied, so yes, I'd remove them.

Timely_Egg_6827@reddit

I left mine on for longer than recommended but driving very rural and it did help. However where I know live, any percieved weakness attracts aggressive driving - very urban area. Might be an idea to try driving at a quieter time and see if it makes any difference.

arcovis@reddit

Remove them when you like. I don't think people pay much attention to P plates; you may get some cynical people getting frustrated with you quicker because of the plates, but I don't think you'll get bullied of the road. At the same time I don't think many people, if any, are sensitive enough to actually respect what the P plates represent so the benefit of having them up isn't huge, in my honest opinion. My brother had his up for years, he drove a lot and it didn't really affect him. He only took them down when I got annoyed at them and took them off myself, as he was too lazy to do it himself. I've also known people who never used them. I don't think it's a huge deal, you do you.

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