shall I put my p plates back on

[Cheeseandlobster]

I passed my test just under 2 years ago but have lost lot of confidence during lockdown. I wasnt confident anyway.

Today I need to drive 50 mins away on roads I dont know. Lots of big roundabouts and city centre driving. I am very nervous and was wondering if I should put my p plates back on just for this journey so other drivers are more sympathetic if I accidentally get in the wrong lane etc.

Good or bad idea?

I was told by my instructor not to use P plates as it made dangerous drivers act worse around you. (8 years ago).

I've never seen a car with them on. I have seen people act like complete dicks around Learner drivers (including learner buses, learner lorries...and a learner tank.)

I've had a look and it says you can keep p plates on for as long as you like.

Don’t use them. They make you a target to twats. I wouldn’t ever use them and wouldn’t allow my DC too either. Different in countries where it is compulsory of the done thing of course.

@Sirzy

I wouldn’t assume roads will be quieter. My partner is a hgv driver and from what he has said there isn’t a great deal of difference in traffic levels

I second this about traffic on the roads. Where I am the roads are even busier than usual. Leave yourself plenty of time, at least you won't be panicking about being late if you end up in the wrong lane/travelling in the wrong direction.

I'd say that any driver out there that doesn't know what P plates up needs to gen up on their Highway Code.

I had magnetic L plates just for a peace of mind and make people keep proper distances when I started driving again after YEEEEEARS of living in city centres. It felt better and the other drivers seem to stay back rather than plop themselves nearly into my booth🙄

I personally always take note of P plates.

I wouldn't assume the roads are quieter at the moment though. There seems to be more traffic than ever where I am. I think a lot of people who might previously have used public transport are using their own vehicles instead. Also more parents are driving kids to school when they would normally use the bus. WE have had train services reduced during the pandemic as people weren't using, so sometimes there is no option other than the car.

If I am going somewhere I don't know, I sometimes check out google street view before I go. It halos me work out eg a landmark at a turning I might need, or what to look for when existing a roundabout.

@PerfectionistProcrastinator

I’d give you consideration too. But I think I’m a patient driver anyway.

Surely most drivers know what they mean!?

I'd also give them space but not because I'm nice and patient like @PerfectionistProcrastinator but because I'm a mardy lady who is scared L and P drivers will bash my car.

@TeenMinusTests

I'd say that any driver out there that doesn't know what P plates up needs to gen up on their Highway Code.

Totally agree with this

I see cars with P plates on frequently.

I assumed it meant Piss-Poor at Parking?

I think I'm going to get some...

I think they can be counterproductive as you can get some right bullying drivers who automatically assume your going to be a massive pain to drive behind (usually people who want to exceed the speed limit by miles without caring about anyone else).

I’d leave them off - big roundabouts and city driving makes me think your driving to Cardiff I couldn’t believer how many roundabouts it took me to get there 🤦🏼‍♀️

Just go steady, if there is someone Behind you that’s getting up your arse don’t feel pressured to go faster than you want to, pull into the next lay-by and let them pass (maybe give them the finger too because fucking rude.. kidding)

Luckily, with most people still working from home, and a not a lot of places people can possibly be travelling to during a lockdown the roads should be considerably quieter for you.

Round here people won’t be cautious around a car with p plates, but more likely to drive like a tosser.

@megletsecond

Don't put them back on. Bad drivers just see you as a target IMO.

Yeah, I took mine off. Some people are right dickheads.

Do you have a sat nav OP? I've found those keep me calm re lanes and big roundabouts in a strange area.

It's stops other drivers giving you shit if you cock up. They may be more alert to you making mistakes, give you space etc.

I used P plates due to not driving much for a few years after passing my test and moving somewhere very hilly and I definitely noticed other drivers giving me more room, especially on hills.
Although saying that I didn't really notice until I took them off but they certainly made me feel better.

My ds used P plates for a while after he passed. I used his car and forgot to remove them and noticed that other drivers were being more considerate tham usual so I think its a good idea.

I think they are a good idea. I certainly take note of them. Particularly when on a car in front of me that is being particularly hesitant.

In some places P plates are mandatory and come with extra driving restrictions. Australia, for example. Closer to home, Northern Ireland has R plates for newly passed drivers.

Most drivers will be aware of and considerate of L and P plate drivers.

You'll of course get the odd person who doesn't know their highway code and has never seen one but it is hardly rocket science, they look so similar to an L plate, if they are a decent driver they should intuitively know to be a bit more aware.

Twats who are mean to L or P plates drivers exist, but generally are rare and inconsiderate drivers to everyone anyway.

If it makes you feel more confident, then just put them on and don't worry about it.

I take more care around a driver with p plates

I lived in London for 10 years, and didn't drive because with the tube I didn't need to. I lost all confidence.

Confidence will come back. For a while I'd take the train rather than drive if I knew the only parking would be a multi storey (!), now I don't give it a second thought. You'll be fine. My tip is before you set off check everything in the car is how you like it. Seat, mirrors, heat, radio etc. My first trip round the M25 was memorable for all the wrong reasons as I'd accidentally left the heat on max, and nearly fried myself. I wasn't that familiar with the controls and didn't want to take my eyes off the road to work out how to adjust them

Dual carriageways can be easier than urban roads as there are fewer side junctions and shouldn’t be any pedestrians to keep an eye on!

If I’m doing a new route I sometimes check using Google Streetview to see what lane I’ll need to be in at big roundabouts etc so I know what to expect when I get there.

Can you drive the majority of the way and then use a park and ride service or local train to go into the city? It might be quicker and easier and less stressful. I live near Oxford and always use the park and ride or train as the traffic and parking is dreadful.

I've seen people deliberately act like knobs to people with P plates.