Massive rise in P plates

[lord trumpton]

As the P stands for Pass then I thought it just meant to pass them as soon as possible to avoid getting stuck behind them bumbling along

[Somewhatfoolish]

Bobupndown said:

Here in Northern Ireland when you pass your driving test you automatically have to display orange R plates, R for Restricted driver for a year, still limited to 45 mph the same as learners. Gives newly passed drivers experience driving on their own but still speed limited and let's other drivers be aware that the driver has limited experience. I think it's a sensible idea.

Learners are restricted to 45mph? I think that's an absolutely insane idea personally. As is restricting those who passed their test and may have not even driven on one before to 45mph on a motorway. Going to learn all sorts of terrible habits.

[Exasperated]

jwilliamsm3 said:

It's always nervous crap drivers that put them on

Yes. That's the point.

[lost in espace]

A Smart car here in Stevenage has P plates on the front and rear, and the sides. I am finding I have to drive so defensively that P plates make no difference to me.

[londiscape]

Lester H said:

A colleague , who was a nervous driver, but very conscientious and took her driving seriously, passed first time, but put the P plates on her Fiesta. It was a sign of modesty and a request for a little tolerance from fellow road users. I see nothing wrong in that.

That's what it should be. Thank you.

[dibblecorse]

Lester H said:

ThingsBehindTheSun said:

dibblecorse said:

We have those, there are two types, can be quite small on some cars ...

Surely the four cock rings on the front is enough of a clue that the driver is going to drive in an aggressive and selfish manner?

It’s not because, despite the stereotype, many Audis ,particularly the smaller ones, are driven by . placid types; girls who don’t want a Fiat 500 or a MINi, but wish to project a sophisticated image, and thus pay the premium over a Polo. There is also a demographic, middle class, to use a cliche, who pay 3k over and above the equivalent Golf , just to have a nicer interior and, of course, the badge.

Lol, not sure if you're deluded or a young girl that drives an A1

[Terminator X]

jwilliamsm3 said:

I don't know if it's just me, but has anyone else noticed the huge increase in the number of P plates being stuck on peoples cars recently?
Considering they aren't madatory after passing a test, i can't see why anyone would want one i think they make you look like a plank.

I'm seeing about 5/6 a day now, used to hardly see any

My son has them. Weirdly when I'm in the car with him people seem to give him less respect than if he had no plates! I'd have hoped that they would cut him some slack seeing as it's obvious he has not long passed his test.

TX.

[Terminator X]

911Spanker said:

My wife kept her plates on for a year or so after passing. When I borrowed the car, I didn't bother taking them off - you quickly learnt that most drivers are totally intolerant and think their driving skills are far better than they are.

But the fun you can have with them was priceless...

I'm the same when I'm in his / sons car

TX.

[Acuity30]

lost in espace said:

A Smart car here in Stevenage has P plates on the front and rear, and the sides. I am finding I have to drive so defensively that P plates make no difference to me.

Surprised it hasnt been stolen, being in Stevenage

[daqinggregg]

I think displaying a pass sign is an excellent idea, especially for those who have recently passed their test and don’t want to be bullied into speeding by ‘road warriors’.

Australia has some interesting rules, regarding hours spent gaining experience, not sure how it’s policed.

• In Queensland you must record 100 hours of supervised driving with 10 hours of night driving
• New South Wales learners are required to complete 120 hours including 20 hours of night driving
• In Australian Capital Territory you must record 100 hours and a minimum of 10 night time hours

In Australia, depending on region certain rules apply to P plates and modifications. i.e. no turbo’s

Watching the Aussie equivalent of ‘Traffic Cops’ can be interesting.

“Hi, my name is constable Nickem, license and rego please.”
“Kyle, is that a boost gauge?”
“Nah, just for show M8”
“Would you mind popping the bonnet, bloody hell, that’s massive intercooler hanging out the front.”
“That’s a nice shiny dump valve.”
“Nah, just for show M8.”
“… me, that turbo the size of a dustbin lid”
“Nah, M8 just for show.”

[Chubbyross]

My daughter has just passed her test and I encouraged her to have P plates. My reasons were that it will give the considerate, non-judgmental drivers a bit of warning that she’s relatively new on the roads and to cut her some slack. Obviously the judgemental, inconsiderate, aggressive drivers won’t give a toss and continue to do what they always do.

OP, to which camp do you belong?

[Ziplobb]

Huge number here on the Isle of Wight
apparently its carers/NHS workers being recruited from other countries according to people in 'the know' they get the lessons, test etc as part of the package otherwise they cannot get out and about in the community to do the job.

[cobra kid]

My daughter takes test tomorrow. If she passes, she'll be getting P plates. Purely in the tiny hope that other drivers (as I am), are more tolerant and patient with new drivers.

[snuffy]

I can't say I've noticed any more or any less off cars with a P on them.

But, often, when you think there are more of something, you will notice more.

For example, after a bought a Fiat 500, i was suddenly seeing them everywhere, when previously I'd not.

And after I'd had my other car wrap in blue, I then started thinking just how many blue cars I was seeing when before I'd not given it any thought.

Clearly I started imagining these things.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Somewhatfoolish said:

Bobupndown said:

Here in Northern Ireland when you pass your driving test you automatically have to display orange R plates, R for Restricted driver for a year, still limited to 45 mph the same as learners. Gives newly passed drivers experience driving on their own but still speed limited and let's other drivers be aware that the driver has limited experience. I think it's a sensible idea.

Learners are restricted to 45mph? I think that's an absolutely insane idea personally. As is restricting those who passed their test and may have not even driven on one before to 45mph on a motorway. Going to learn all sorts of terrible habits.

What do the actual KSI stats show? Anyone can have a hunch that it's a terrible idea or a brilliant idea but the results will provide the actual answer. From what I read a while back, it's led to a marked reduction in young driver KSI incidents.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Terminator X said:

jwilliamsm3 said:

I don't know if it's just me, but has anyone else noticed the huge increase in the number of P plates being stuck on peoples cars recently?
Considering they aren't madatory after passing a test, i can't see why anyone would want one i think they make you look like a plank.

I'm seeing about 5/6 a day now, used to hardly see any

My son has them. Weirdly when I'm in the car with him people seem to give him less respect than if he had no plates! I'd have hoped that they would cut him some slack seeing as it's obvious he has not long passed his test.

TX.

I found the exact opposite with my sons, and this is in London. They were definitely treated with more tolerance and courtesy.

[Rich Boy Spanner]

The driving on people with P plates is generally abysmal, no idea how they even passed their test.

[Randy Winkman]

snuffy said:

I can't say I've noticed any more or any less off cars with a P on them.

But, often, when you think there are more of something, you will notice more.

For example, after a bought a Fiat 500, i was suddenly seeing them everywhere, when previously I'd not.

And after I'd had my other car wrap in blue, I then started thinking just how many blue cars I was seeing when before I'd not given it any thought.

Clearly I started imagining these things.

I'm with you. I'm not aware of seeing any more than at any time in the past.

[scottyfocus]

Not P plates but on my way to work yesterday, on the a19 exit sliproad there were 5 learner cars in a row, first in line for the lights to turn green.

Was sat there exactly 14 minutes before all 5 got the through the lights 🤣.

[Timbo_S2]

I too have noticed more P plates recently.

Give them more room, and expect them to do things a more experienced driver wouldn't. Its not hard really.