If you’ve just got your learner’s permit, we bet that you’re eager to get out on the roads and get some practice in. But, before you do, there are a few things to take care of before you can safely and legally get behind the wheel.
First, you should sort competitive insurance for learners and young drivers. Next, you need a fully qualified driver to accompany you while driving and you need to display L Plates correctly on your car so other drivers know that you are still learning to drive.
Not sure where or how your L Plates should be displayed? We provide all the answers in our handy guide below.
What Exactly Are L Plates?
L Plates are square stickers that must be displayed on your vehicle when you are learning to drive. They show a large red L (for learner) on a white background and are used to alert other drivers and road users to the fact that you are still learning to drive, and have not yet passed your driving test. Other drivers will see your L Plate and know to give you a little more space and be a little more patient if you make mistakes. But just be aware that this isn’t always the case…
Who Needs to Use L Plates?
If you are driving on a learner permit or if you haven’t passed your driving test to receive your full license, you will need to display L Plates at all times when driving. This is a legal requirement and failure to properly display L Plates as a learner is an offence that can lead to fines and penalty points being added to your license.
Anyone learning to drive a motorbike is also required to display L Plates. However, instead of sticking them to your bike, you should wear a high-vis jacket displaying the letter L in red on a white background. It should be displayed on the back and front of the vest/jacket so it’s visible to drivers from both directions.
Before taking a driving test, learner drivers must hold a valid permit, practice, and display L plates for a minimum of six months.
If you share a car (for example, with parents or siblings) and someone else who holds a full licence is driving, L plates can be removed or covered. Just make sure you pop them back up before driving yourself, if you are a learner.
Where to Put L Plates on Your Car
If you are learning to drive, L Plates must be displayed at the front and rear of your car at all times while driving. Your plates should be displayed upright and be positioned clearly so they are visible to both oncoming drivers, and traffic approaching from the rear. Under no circumstances should they be placed in a way that affects your own visibility.
There are some specific requirements for L Plates so make sure that you buy the correct ones, and from a reputable retailer. Plates should clearly show a red ‘L’ on a white background, with the letter L measuring at least 15cm in height with a border of at least 2cm.
Your L Plates can be stickers or magnetic, so long as they fully comply with all transport regulations and meet the specific sizing requirements mentioned above.
Penalties for Not Displaying L Plates
As a learner in Ireland, you have a legal obligation to display L Plates until you complete your driving test and obtain a full license. Failure to comply with the law can result in penalty points and a fine. The current penalties for not properly displaying L Plates are:
- 2 penalty points and an initial fixed charge fine of €120
- Fines can increase to €180 if not paid within 28 days
- If convicted in court, you could be fined a higher amount and will get 4 penalty points.
It’s also worth noting that the penalty point threshold is lower for learner drivers and can also have a negative impact on your insurance cover making non-display all the more risky.
To avoid receiving penalties, we recommend that you make sure your L Plates are placed correctly in your car before driving. It’s also a good idea to keep a set of spares in the glovebox or boot in case you need them.
When Can I Remove My L Plates
L Plates can only be removed once you’ve passed your driving test and have received your full driving licence. However, when that happens, you need to swap them out for a shiny new set of N Plates. This stands for ‘Novice’ and lets other drivers know that you have only recently passed your test and are not yet fully experienced on the road.
You must display N Plates on your vehicle for a minimum of two years. Novice drivers don’t have the same driving restrictions as learners but still have some tighter regulations for things like drink-driving. Once two years have passed, you are considered an experienced driver and can remove the N Plates from your vehicle.
Learner Driver Support from KennCo
Understanding why and where to display your L plates helps to keep you visible and protected as a learner driver. Protecting yourself on the road also means having the right insurance cover. At KennCo, we provide comprehensive young driver car insurance to support you on the road to becoming a safe and fully qualified driver. Contact KennCo today to get a competitive quote.
Save On Young Driver Car Insurance?
At KennCo, we understand that it can be hard for young drivers to get their first car on the road. That’s why we offer low-cost and reliable young driver car insurance.
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Where Do I Put L Plates On My Car? | FAQs
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