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 would personally be extra considerate of a P plate driver but I'm pretty considerate anyway.

I think if it gives you more confidence then do it.

I also find that the anticipation is worse than the doing when nervous about driving (used to be absolutely terrified of driving and got over it)

Idiot aggressive drivers will always be there, and whilst they crop up occasionally I'd say that the vast majority of drivers are decent. I do lots of miles and probably only come across one once a week.

@Rainbowshine

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.

Good idea. I do that when I need to go into Newcastle. Just no to driving around that place.

In my experience from when I was a learner and had my l plates on my mums car people are more likely to be dicks and hot more ect.

I think some people treat the p plates with the same contempt. I'm not sure how much they would help, people are dicks. The pp who suggested going for early drives had a good idea.

I think they are completely counter-productive, and, honestly, if you are so unconfident on the roads maybe you need to have a few sessions with an instructor or consider using public transport. We don't need more unsafe drivers going about.

Perhaps N plates for nervous drivers should introduced and A plates for arseholes aggressive drivers.

My driving instructor advised me against P plates as another driver could use it as an excuse to claim against you in case of an accident, even if it wasn't your fault

I was an instructor for a while. Dont run on P plates. IMHO they can be dangerous.The disdain that other drivers have for learners is carried over onto drivers on P plates. I experienced horrendous driving to get around me when I was an instructor driving my own car with L plates on between lessons. Being cut up, overtaken inappropriately etc and Im not the sort to dither or hang around either.You passed your test, you are as qualified as anyone else. Be careful and enjoy the drive.

P plates are a waste of money. Considerate drivers know that people make mistakes. If someone stalls, fine. If someone is nervous about pulling out, fine. Considerate drivers know that beeping or flashing (lights) just makes the situation worse. With considerate drivers, you don't need P plates.

As for the rest, P plates either don't make a blind bit of difference or are a red rag to a bull - drivers who are dicks see an opportunity to intimidate a new driver.

I would distance myself from a P-plated car if I were on a large roundabout. If it helps you, then go for it.

I'm wondering if the people who are saying they give people with P plates plenty of space are driving up the arses of everyone else?

That did cross my mind Nerr.

There again I was taught to assume that every other driver on the road was about to do something stupid which has nosed well so far!

@NerrSnerr

I'm wondering if the people who are saying they give people with P plates plenty of space are driving up the arses of everyone else?

I said I would give them consideration. Meaning take into account they may stall or not be in the right lane etc. I wasn't referring to space between vehicles really unless maybe a hill start when considering they roll back.

Obviously it makes sense to not drive up the arse of other road users generally. My car has a little alert that pops up re distance behind another vehicle.

My DH has been sometimes using P plates recently now that we've just bought a car and he's barely drove since he passed his test a couple of years ago. He reports that generally people do give him more space etc with the plates on than without. As a learner I find the vast majority of road users considerate whilst I'm on lessons. There are always the odd idiots but there always will be. I think most people who give more space to learners etc is out of concern for their own safety/their own car rather than kindness to the learner but that's totally understandable and fine. Certainly if I see another learner I am more conscious of them than other road users because I expect them to be more unpredictable and I want to keep myself well clear to be safe.

Thank you for all your advice. I made it there and back uneventfully. As someone else on here said, the thought of it was worse than actually doing it.

My rl friends have actually said similar things. Some people really rate p plates. Others have said that they are a magnet for idiots.

I didn't need mine in the end but I did see a couple on my travels so wouldnt rule them out for future use if I felt exceptionally nervous. I am just glad I made myself do it

@Cheeseandlobster that’s great, keep going and you’ll get more confident

Well, no. Someone who has just passed their test is still building up experience and might be liable to make more little mistakes or take more time over decisions than someone who's been driving for years, or who has driven that same route hundreds of times.

This thread is 2.5 years old!