P Plates or not to P Plate

Windsor70

!!!!!! wrote: »

You either use P plates all the time or not at all. !!!!!! is the idea of putting them on when on an unfamiliar road and not bothering at other times?

They are to indicate to other road users that you are a new driver and not that you are unfamiliar with a road!

You either need them (want them as a crutch to use as an excuse for FUBARs) or you don't!

Firstly THANKS to everyone for the replies, and it is really helpful reading the repsonses and other views.

I will reply to everyone, but wanted to reply to !!!!!!, firstly, the reason I used the P Plate for the not overly familiar route, is because I do still get nervous if I am doing a journey that I am not familair with and I AM still a new driver who is gaining experience.

Yep that might be totally ridiculous to many, but thats me personally, I suppose as is/was my choice to use P Plates. I am just interested as to other views and experiences.

Thanks very much for yours too.

Windsor70

Outpost wrote: »

Don't misunderstand me, I don't mean to be harsh or want to come across as being offensive to the OP because this couldn't be further from my intention. I'm trying to say 'You've just as much right to drive on the roads as everyone else at the speed you wish, so don't feel the need to single yourself out'.

Nope no offence taken at all. I wanted opinions and that is what I am getting. I wanted to know what other peoples thoughts were, whether indifferent, whether they are a good thing or not. I dont consider you to have been harsh at all.

Strider590

davemorton wrote: »

P plates, who's bright idea were they??
If you have passed, you have passed, and should have the knowledge/confidence to drive on the road (or you would not have passed, no?)
I remember hearing last year about a 6th form near me that recommended all students take the p plates off their cars as they had a rather high number of students have people slamming the brakes on in front of them. They are just a target for insurance fraudsters.
Ditch them.

Agree'd, it's like wandering through a warzone in a pink bunny suit with target on your back.

jaydeeuk1

When I passed my test in last year of 6th form, My parents asked if I wanted P plates.

I likened it to wearing a T shirt all the time that says "I'm a virgin"

Windsor70

victor2 wrote: »

Some people will see P plates as someone to target, but a majority of drivers (certainly the ones I know) will just give cars bearing them that little extra consideration, remembering back to the days when they were a new driver. By passing the driving test, you have done just that; been trained to pass the test, which does include many of the skills you need to drive and survive. Once you've passed your test, you start to learn to drive, it's considerate letting other drivers know that's where you're at.

Thanks Victor2, that sums up basically how I feel. I thought it was courtesy to other road users. I passed my test and I have the skills to drive, but experience is gained over time,even though I know I have every right to be on the road, my experience is not comparable to someone that has been driving for years, I am not arrogant enough to think that my reactions would be the same as a more experienced driver and out of what I feel was decency I wore my P Plates.

pinkteapot

I don't think the P plates are really an issue in this instance. I suspect the other driver would have treated you exactly the same whether they were on or not.

As I mentioned, are you sure you were in a 40 limit? (not a 60)

Windsor70

pinkteapot wrote: »

I don't think the P plates are really an issue in this instance. I suspect the other driver would have treated you exactly the same whether they were on or not.

As I mentioned, are you sure you were in a 40 limit? (not a 60)

Hi Pinkteapot, you might be right, he probably had a bad day as after effing me, he careered off like a loon. It was definitely a 40mph zone. The reason I know that road, sort of, is because I did my test along there funnily enough.

pinkteapot

Ok, just wondered. It wouldn't excuse his behaviour but might have gone some way to explaining it.

I think you were just unlucky and he would have treated anyone in your position the same. You do get some idiots on the roads. As I said, when I get one behind me I prefer to pull over and let them past - only takes a sec and saves the stress of driving along glancing at them in your rear view mirror.

King_Nothing

I would chuck them away, I never bothered with them. It's bad enough having L plates on my bike, they're a real red rag to the numptys but I wouldn't have optionally put P plates on.

OP say in 5 years time and you decide to drive somewhere where you've never been before. Such as me driving from the north east down to wembley which I've done twice in the past 2 years, are you going to use the P plates then? I don't think you need them at all.

Windsor70

pinkteapot wrote: »

Ok, just wondered. It wouldn't excuse his behaviour but might have gone some way to explaining it.

I think you were just unlucky and he would have treated anyone in your position the same. You do get some idiots on the roads. As I said, when I get one behind me I prefer to pull over and let them past - only takes a sec and saves the stress of driving along glancing at them in your rear view mirror.

Yes I used to find it really stressful and would over check my interior mirror when I had someone driving on my bumper and it made me feel like my driving was erratic and I did on occasion speed. I am less fazed by it now and I stick to my speed limits as a new driver I dont want to lose my licence whilst on the two year probationary period by getting points.