P plates - who is BU?

[FoofFighter]

I passed my driving test yesterday I've got the insurance sorted and hoping to go out solo for the first time at the weekend I might or might not be shutting myself at the prospect

Here is the AIBU though. I think I should put P plates on for the first while so in the event I'm a little hesitant or cautious that other drivers will see why rather than get all impatient and beepy.

Partner however says I absolutely shouldn't wear P plates although doesn't really state why, I think maybe he thinks that I will attract the wrong kind of attention.

Who is U!?

Did you wear P plates?

How do you respond to P plates on other drivers?

Well it's not up to him it's up to you!

Objectively I also think you are right.

They weren't really a thing when I passed my test, but I think they are a great idea. If I see P Plates, I am always more forgiving of the driver, and give more space and time when appropriate.

Do it. Use them. Did what he says.

I give more space and time to learners and those with P plates (although I haven’t seen those in ages).

There’s a certain type of driver though that enjoys intimidating other drivers and you would just be sport to them.

They’re not permanent, try them and see what you think.

*sod

DH said the same thing to me when I passed, but stated it’d make me a sitting duck for twat drivers. In the end I didn’t get them, didn’t have anyone tooting at me or being aggressive.

My driving instructor said put one on the rear of the car (so people behind can give you some consideration) but not on the front - as people will never let you out of a turning etc.

And congratulations!

I didn't use them but I certainly take them into consideration and give more space to cars with them on.

I wouldn't use them for long though.

If you want to use P plates do so! I too give a car with them more time and space, although there aren’t many about. When I see them, I do think ‘there goes someone taking driving seriously’ and being responsible. Go for it.

Congratulations!
Do what you feel comfortable with. If you think P plates will help you relax on your first few drives then go for it, but there's no reason you need them.

Good idea about rear facing P plate @Charlotte.

Firstly congratulations on passing test.
I passed last year and didn't have P plates, it wasn't something I'd given much thought to!
I think if it makes you feel more confident knowing you have it there then go for it.
I always show consideration to learners and P platers, we all were new at driving once although some forget!
I have seen other drivers grow impatient with learners on a lesson so unfortunately not everyone has the patience.
As long as you are driving safely and within the limitations of your surroundings then sod all the knobs!!
Happy driving🚗

I found that p-plates bring out the worst and best in other drivers. Some will go out of their way to give you more time and space. Others will go out of their way to be utter arses.

I notice them and am suitably cautious/forgiving around new drivers. My DD passed her test last autumn and used them until very recently - she said she felt they gave her a bit more confidence as if she accidentally stalled or whatever people would be less likely to get cross and start beeping, making her more stressed. I think they are a great idea.

I wouldn't/ didn't. Thought they'd attract the jerks!

Congratulations

I didn’t use P plates and I can’t say I take them into consideration when I am driving tbh, but then unless someone is doing something bloody stupid Or dangerous I am not a beepy kind of driver.

It’s up to you, if they will make you feel better use them but imo they are not needed

Congratulations on passing your test.

I don't think P plates are necessary. Presumably you've had hours of lessons and know your highway code inside out so you're a good road worthy driver.

If you are lacking in confidence then ask your partner to accompany you on a drive or two? Build your confidence by doing a short drive round the block. Planning my route for long journeys always makes me feel more assured, or using a Sat nav.

It's brilliant not having an instructor in the car! You can relax, have the radio on, sing badly..

I think drivers that are impatient and beep aggressively will do so regardless of a P stuck your your car.
In fact some get more annoyed by being behind an L or P driver and will try to overtake.

I should have said that when i passed I didnt use them. But that's because i was just short of 18 and it was all about saving face.

Are P plates optional in the UK?? Here in Aust they are compulsory for the first 12 months - I’m always learning something on MN!

First of all well done on passing your test.

I personally hate p plates.

There is no legal requirement for them here (UK) and If you need them to have confidence, take more lessons.

You passed because you are road worthy, prove it.

P.S. I also hate baby on board, those stupid people decals and think retesting should happen every ten years. Maybe I am vindictive

Yes they are optional here but I think that plans are afoot to make them compulsory.
At 44 I do think I may feel a little embarrassed to be displaying P plates tbh! I don't want anyone to get angry with me and dent my confidence.

Seems fairly mixed responses so far

I am much more patient and leave more space for drivers with P plates. Also do reassuring smiling while they attempt manoeuvres and parking etc, whereas other drivers sometimes get a scowl if it's been a long day

I don't think there's any shame in using them. I think it's an ego thing for (some) men to not use/approve of them. I struggle to see how or why it might make other drivers hostile. I stalled my car far more times on my first day driving alone than I had in the last few months of lessons, it's just nerves.

My daughter is still using them months after passing her test and so are some of her friends. They feel it warns other drivers that they are less experienced so they might be more patient / understanding of slowness or indecisiveness.

She doesn’t sing aloud with the radio because she likes to concentrate on the road conditions .

I'd probably want to rip them off straight away :p But you're the one driving the car so he's BU it expect you to do what he wants over what you want to do

My mum made me put them on. She borrowed my car and took them off after she experienced what I had - cars pulling out on me at junctions and roundabouts. Up to you put them on and see how they treat you. I do live in a twatty driver town though.