I’ve got L plates on

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

Tomorrow I’m going up to Stafford for a training workshop for driving instructors.

Everyone else will be in their tuition cars, but I can’t face the tedium of 2 hours in a wheezy 1.2 Peugeot 208.

I have, however, suitably adorned my chosen car to blend in.

[eybic]

Very sad of me but is that not a bit dodgy? I thought plates needed removing if there wasn't someone being taught?

[drmike37]

Also, be very careful. Staffs put their camera vans in very odd places. I think they must be a bit strapped for cash so instead of enforcing limits near schools they get you for going a bit over on a clear dual carriageway.
Doi the b@@s got me a couple of years ago.

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

It is an offence not to have L plates when you’re a learner, but I believe it is not actually an offence the other way around. It is considered good practice to remove them when not required, and the Highway Code says you “should”, but it doesn’t say you “MUST”. Also, driving school cars are exempt from any notion of removing them, so I might just put my instructor’s licence in the window then it’s okay innit? I’m quite sure the police will have a chuckle at the obvious joke.

Thanks for the heads-up regarding Staffs police!

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

I think it’s also true to say that one is always a learner when driving a TVR.

No matter how experienced you are, the car can always show you how little you know.

[pingu393]

Are you insured to teach in that car? If you are, then you have a reason for the L plate. Otherwise, you have no reason to display the plate.

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

As I say, it is not an offence to display an L plate when not required. Please quote legislation that backs up your assertion.

And by the way: yawn.

[pingu393]

Keep us informed if anything comes of it.

Your yawn is contagious .

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

Still awaiting your quote of relevant legislation.

And, er... by the way, yes i could certainly teach a full licence holder in this car. Instructors don’t only teach “learners”, and yes I keep my L plates when teaching full licence holders because the driver is under instruction.

Edited to add: The only thing I couldn’t do is take a Part 3 test or a standards check, because there’d be nowhere for the examiner to sit.

My biggest worry is whether the self-adhesive L plates will come off cleanly. Fairly obviously, magnetic ones wouldn’t work.

Edited by Dr Mike Oxgreen on Monday 2nd September 21:07

[pingu393]

I never implied that you couldn't teach in that car, I just asked if you were insured to do so.

If you are not, what possible reason would you be able to give Mr Plod if he asked you why you are displaying the plate? You can't even use the "I forgot" excuse.


"Oh, Mr Plod, there is no legislation to say that I must remove the plate"
"But Mr OP, what was the reason for fitting it in the first place?"
"Erm"


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/l-plate...

Last para of section 1 states: "You should remove or cover L plates when the vehicle isn’t being driven by a learner, unless it’s a driving school car."


Definition of "should": Google

[TR4man]

I'd love to see the face of any learner if you did turn up for a lesson with the Chimaera instead of a Pug.

[Classic Chim]

A bit of light humour we could all do with.

I taught my grandson to steer the Tvr when he was around 5 years old. P/S is useful

He’s now 14 so I might need to borrow then plates pretty soon

Back in the late 70’s my school paid for us bike nutters who wanted a moped at 16 to do an
RAC/ACU motorbike test.

Having taken my full motorbike test recently
That course was as valid today as it was then.
Took weeks and I learnt everything I still do to this day regardless of vehicle, I do life savers in the Tiv as a matter of course, been doing it 30 odd years.

I count that course as the best thing I ever did and saved my life on a number of occasions the more I think about it.
A great teacher brings humour,,, Good man

[QBee]

My daughter passed her test in her own Fiesta at the seventh attempt........gleefully ripped the stick on plates off the car.......and ripped a whole load of paint off.

7 attempts did her good - she has not had an accident in the 16 years since