Green P Plates

[Challo]

The gf has just passed her test and been pottering around this week in her KA. She is thinking of getting some Green P plates to put on the car for a few months.

I told her not to bother, but would you be more considerate to someone displaying Green P Plates? Or are they not worth the bother?

[Jandywa]

Ive never really understood the point of them. I know it shows the driver doesnt have much experience but to me it says, ive passed my test but looking back probably shouldnt have so be careful. Seems pointless to me as there are alot of bad drivers with lots of experience.

[twiglove]

As a relatively impatient driver, I would give a P plate more space and more time to complete manoveres before hitting the horn or going round them if safe to do so

[jagnet]

I tend to give drivers with P plates more room, as much for my sake as theirs. On the flip side I do get the impression that they can also act as a red rag to a bull for those that have some subconscious need to prove their own driving prowess.

Perhaps give them a try for a few days?

[attym3]

They certainly get the "radar" beeping.

[Snowboy]

I think they are a good idea.

It won't stop her stuttering on junctions, driving slowly on clear roads, missing a gear change, getting stuck in the wrong lane, lacking confidence and generally having limited road craft.
But, it might mean I'm less irritated with her after my initial facepalm has worn off.

I'm more likely to give her a wry grin and a metaphorical pat on the head when she messes up rather than beeping my horn at her.

Also, as a P plate, I'd be more inclined to lob a bottle of fanta at her rather than a can of redbull.

[Debaser]

I don't see the point in them. I assume everyone else on the roads is an inexperienced idiot anyway.

[scenario8]

I'd give her a bit more space/time/forgiveness.

If it makes her feel more confident at a time when confidence is probably pretty low then what's to lose other than £3.99 and a bit of street cred when you're in the passenger seat?

[eybic]

Why does she feel she needs them? If it is through lack of skill/confidence then she should do the pass plus thingy.

[U T]

twiglove said:

As a relatively impatient driver, I would give a P plate more space and more time to complete manoveres before hitting the horn or going round them if safe to do so

You recognise you are an impatient driver, which is a good thing, because most of us have faults but refuse to ackowledge them.

What would be even better would be if you resolved to become a more patient driver around everyone, not just L or P plate drivers.

It doesn't matter if you're a good driver or a bad driver but always be an improving driver.

[Challo]

eybic said:

Why does she feel she needs them? If it is through lack of skill/confidence then she should do the pass plus thingy.

She has done her pass plus and is actually a very good driver for someone that has just passed her test.

The issue is that she is lacking confidence, and the KA she is driving now is very different to her learner car, and does stutter pulling away from standstill.

Having Green P's will give her that confidence that drivers know she is new and give her a little room/time.

[scenario8]

Challo said:

She has done her pass plus and is actually a very good driver for someone that has just passed her test.

The issue is that she is lacking confidence, and the KA she is driving now is very different to her learner car, and does stutter pulling away from standstill.

Having Green P's will give her that confidence that drivers know she is new and give her a little room/time.

Sounds like for the price of a pint you'll be helping her out then.

[kambites]

Well I expect them to be worse drivers and modify my driving style to compensate. I like to think I'm considerate to all other road users, though.

[Hudson]

Snowboy said:

Also, as a P plate, I'd be more inclined to lob a bottle of fanta at her rather than a can of redbull.

[Snowboy]

In a few European countries (AFAIK) P plates are law.

In fact, in Belgium for a year after you pass you must have P plates, you can only take one passenger in the car and you are not allowed on the road between midnight and 4 am and can only have a car with XX horsepower.
(or something like that, it's been a while since I lived there.)

It's apparently one reason why smartcars were so popular over there.

[RoseyG21]

Nothing like P plates to get the PH forums going!

IMHO they are a good idea and shows that the new driver is communicating that they are new to the roads and fully accept that they are still learning and may make mistakes. Respect!

[Triumph Man]

Ah, Prat/Prick plates, whichever you prefer. If you turned up to where I went to school with a set of those bad boys on, you would get a roasting and would never hear the end of it.

[Vocal Minority]

Having confidence is important, so if the Green P plates give her the confidence until she is used to driving on her own sans instructor etc than its a good idea

[Gizmo!]

I don't see the harm. Certainly I would give extra attention to ensure she'd done what I was expecting; and when you're new at something having a bit more time to think about things is always useful.

[y2blade]

attym3 said:

They certainly get the "radar" beeping.