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?

YANBU. I kept P plates on for ages. I noticed a few people overtook me assuming I'd be slow and I was fine with that (if they want to drive recklessly I'd rather they were far away!). The majority of people are patient.

I didn't / wouldn't.

I do give more space to drivers with P plates, but I'm a gentle driver anyway. I don't beep at people, I don't tailgate, and if someone is driving like a total numpty I tend to sigh rather than shout or gesture. I suspect everyone who is considerate round P plate is considerate anyway.

The people who are bullying drivers will see a P plate as a weak spot and will drive even more wankerishly than they already do.

So you don't gain anything from the first group but might lose something with the second.

I had P plates after I passed my test 20 years ago .. like the OP, I thought it would be good to warn other drivers of the fact that I was new on the roads and possibly not the best at decision making... I had them for 2 months and the day I took them off, I really felt the difference... other road users stopped being an arse to me on the roads... I found that people were actually trying to intimidate me and generally behaved really badly around me... this was not just local to where I lived as from the day I got my car I was driving long distances from London and up into Yorkshire on a daily basis...
I wouldn't recommend them unless it was a legal requirement, based on my experience...

A lot of driving instructors will discourage using P plates after the test.

I don't think good drivers will treat you any differently with or without Ps. It common sense to give any car room for manoeuvres, to be patient when they're pulling out and not drive too close regardless of whether they have a P, a Baby on Board sign or a Mother in law in boot sticker.

Not only can it single you out to idiot drivers, there is a danger that you have a false sense of security wearing Ps. It's dangerous to assume other drivers will see your plates or anticipate you making errors on the road.

I'm learning currently and when I pass most definitely will be using P-plates (even after doing the pass plus which I intend to do straight after passing the test).

I think you need to do what makes you feel most comfortable/safe.

Congratulations on passing your test! 🚘

I wouldn't. They attract arsehole behaviour from inconsiderate drivers, or risk people thinking that you're under confident so probably a liability.

I passed seven months ago and never bothered with P plates. My instructor didn't recommend them and I drive on so many roads that require me to move into ditches/passing places that I knew they wouldn't last long!

I managed just fine - I think twatty drivers are twatty regardless of whether you've got P plates or not.

When I see P plates I assume that the driver is going to be hesitant and slow. I'm usually right. After much experience of being sat behind P plates on a totally empty junction/ roundabout where they just wont pull out I try not to get stuck behind them.

My reasoning is that if you were confident in your driving you wouldn't have P plates, so best avoided.

Look at the number of new female drivers vs new male drivers that have them... It also advertises that you are female which is not a good idea in an empty car park.

I had a person who stalled in front of me at the traffic lights the other day, She took quite some time to sort herself out before she drove, The fact she had the plates on let me know she was a learner so to be patient.
Yanbu, I think its better you have them on. I think it should be compulsory for the first few months of passing your test.

Wow, some of these comments
let me at least get out there solo for the first time before deciding I'm not confident enough or shouldn't be on the road or still need lessons!

If I were you, I'd try it both with and without P plates and see what makes you feel most comfortable. I found them really useful but others seem not to have done. What did your driving instructor say about them?

Yes, ignore the 'if you're not confident you need more lessons' nonsense. Of course it's nerve wracking when you start driving on your own. I think people who say that passed many moons ago and don't remember what it feels like. Most people are nervous doing things for the first time, no matter how capable they are!

I passed last year and didn't use them. I agree that considerate drivers will be considerate whether you have them or not whereas impatient and aggressive drivers will see them and want to overtake/not let you out/generally be an arse. Up to you though!

I've only been beeped twice - both times by white vans. First time because I had the audacity to stay within the speed limit and second because I signalled and slowed to take a parking spot - slowing him down in the process. Neither time bothered me as I knew I wasn't doing anything wrong - try were the ones being arses.

Enjoy your new found freedom!

Congratulations, my love!

IME there will always be one doughnut on the road who feels the need to scare a learner or new driver by sitting right up their bum and roaring past them at the first opportunity. OTOH I would like to think the majority of people would see a new driver and allow them a little extra time and space. There are definitely more courteous drivers than crazies, at least in my area.

If it'd make you feel more comfortable, go for it. OH can jog on. :)

I got the same response from my oh when i passed my test. He reckons it would of caused other drivers to behave stupidly around me? Whenever i see p plates i take more care and slow down.