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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

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Original poster

DS just passed driving test but refuse to wear P plates

56 replies

GrumpyOldBag · 15/01/2017 13:19

DS passed his test a few weeks ago & needs to drive 35 mile round trip every day. So, I bought DS some of those green P plates which show you are a new driver.

However, he won't have them on the car, saying it's better if other drivers just treat him like a normal driver rather than differently because he's only just passed his test.

For me, that's the whole point of him having the plates on - just for a couple of months until he gets more experience.

I'm paying for his petrol at the moment, & want to say the P plates are a condition of that.

Which of us is right?

OP posts:

RandomDent · 15/01/2017 13:22

We have R plates where we live, and everyone expects R plate drivers to drive like dicks. Not sure that's the attitude you want other drivers for your son really.

user1471548375 · 15/01/2017 13:25

I'm with your DS on this one. I think other drivers are more likely to tailgate and attempt risky overtaking manoeuvres where they see P plates, so does increase the risk while he's out in the car.

More sensible would probably be things like restricting the amount of passengers, or not driving at night until he's built up more experience.

LemonBreeland · 15/01/2017 13:25

I don't think P plates will make any difference to how people drive around him. They are completely pointles imo.

WatchfulOwl · 15/01/2017 13:27

I don't see the point of P plates at all. How long do you want him to use them for?

MrsJayy · 15/01/2017 13:28

Dd never had P plates because she felt the same as your son you can't really force him . There is a car in my street that has P plates on for over a year we have lived here i wonder when they will take them off

Manumission · 15/01/2017 13:29

I don't think you're supposed to "wear" them are you? That's a bit scarlet letter

Whisky2014 · 15/01/2017 13:30

I don't blame him! Bin them, they are no use to anyone. If he just passed his test he should be a better driver than all of us. I often think those P plates are used as a "sorry im crap, im new to this" and if thats the case, they shouldnt be on the road

LadyPenelope68 · 15/01/2017 13:30

P plates are absolutely pointless, most people don't take any notice and not sure what difference you think it makes. My son recently passed his test and I wouldn't even have considered making him use P plates.

NoraDora · 15/01/2017 13:31

They are pretty pointless, you end up being treated like a learner and not really becoming a good independent driver.

SprogletsMum · 15/01/2017 13:31

I didn't use them when I first passed my test. Having seen how people drive around learners there was no way I was singling myself out as not a 'normal' driver.

Jasperthedog · 15/01/2017 13:31

I think paying for a pass plus day would be more beneficial

fueledbybacon · 15/01/2017 13:32

Here in Ireland it's the law to have N plates (novice) for 2 years after passing your test and with good reason. You should check if they're mandatory.

rememberthetime · 15/01/2017 13:33

I have been using P plates for the last few weeks and they make me personally feel a little less stressed if I stall or take a little longer at junctions. I think it is about improving my confidence rather than how other drivers act around me. They will do what they do. But if i stall, I wave to the driver behind, knowing that they know I am new to this. Somehow it makes me feel better.

If you son feels confident enough then let him drive without. I don't think it makes any difference to the way other drives behave.

But you might consider getting him one of those black boxes. I have one through my insurance company and every month they tell me I am a gold standard driver. I will also get cheaper insurance if I keep it up. That will give you more peace of mind than P plates. Make that a condition of you paying the petrol.

ememem84 · 15/01/2017 13:34

I wouldn't use them. I hate them. To me they say "I'm new at this so oopsy if I make a mistake" when in reality he was deemed competent to drive unaided.

tired17 · 15/01/2017 13:34

My DD wouldn't have them, she said that when she was learning she felt harassed by other drivers because they thought she would be slow/hesitant and they made dangerous manoeuvres around her. She thought that would continue with P plates. I'm not saying that's right but as I could see her reasoning ( having witnessed some of the harassment when sitting beside her with the L plates) I didn't force her.

thinkingaboutfostering · 15/01/2017 13:34

Personally I think putting P plates on is asking for trouble! Other drivers will use it as an excuse to drive like idiots and it will put him a bigger target for the crash for cash scam type people.

The best thing you can do is get him to drive as much as possible at the minute and get as much experience as possible.

Whisky2014 · 15/01/2017 13:35

They are not mandatory in the UK. Thankfully!

Original poster

GrumpyOldBag · 15/01/2017 13:35

Thanks, very good to get a range of views on this.

If I saw a P plate I would make more allowances for the driver, especially if I felt they were being a bit slow, but I guess that's just me!.

I thought he should use them for about 3 months.

They are not mandatory here in England.

OP posts:

Original poster

GrumpyOldBag · 15/01/2017 13:36

He's got the black box.

OP posts:

chipsandpeas · 15/01/2017 13:37

i have never seen anyone use them, my mum tried to get me to use them but i didnt when i passed my test

Whisky2014 · 15/01/2017 13:38

remember I think i stalled once during one lesson and once in the first 3 years of driving. You make it sound like you stall a lot? You shouldnt be stalling or fannying about waving to the driver behind. Just get on with it

NerrSnerr · 15/01/2017 13:38

I didn't want them when I passed. If you would drive more considerately when you see someone with P plates you should stop driving inconsiderately at other times! You shouldn't need to moderate your driving.

Northernlurker · 15/01/2017 13:38

You're wrong. He's right. Leave him alone.

BaDumShh · 15/01/2017 13:38

My driving instructor used to hate P plates, and said new drivers had just as much right to the roads as those who had been driving for years and shouldn't need allowances made for them. And bad driving/mistakes aren't limited to new drivers, I see older people driving terribly all the time!

SmilingButClueless · 15/01/2017 13:38

I agree with your DS (and SprogletsMum).

Also, isn't it the person driving the car who has the final say in what happens when they're driving?

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