P plates or not?

Beki88

For me personally the answer would be when I am used to the car. I am fine with the concept of roundabouts and everything else the problem lay in the new car so as soon as I can deal with the car, not stall it etc I would then remove them.

paddedjohn

but what about when the time comes to change the car? will you put them on again until you get used the clutch?

Rolandtheroadie

paddedjohn wrote: »

but what about when the time comes to change the car? will you put them on again until you get used the clutch?

By that time experience and confidence will be fine.

pitkin2020

Beki88 wrote: »

For me personally the answer would be when I am used to the car. I am fine with the concept of roundabouts and everything else the problem lay in the new car so as soon as I can deal with the car, not stall it etc I would then remove them.

If you want them on then it makes no difference what anyone else thinks put them.

Like I said earlier, now you have past your test the real learning starts so it really is a case of just getting out there and driving, all the time to begin with. When I past my test I used 3 full tanks of fuel within about 5 days and I never actually went any further than about 25 miles from home lol. I just drove and drove, admittedly I couldn't afford to drive the following week :rotfl::rotfl: but all those miles built my confidence up.

alex21

Are P plates compulsory or optional? In Northern Ireland we have R plates which are compulsory for a year after passing your test (R for Restricted) Are P plates similar?

Rolandtheroadie

alex21 wrote: »

Are P plates compulsory or optional? In Northern Ireland we have R plates which are compulsory for a year after passing your test (R for Restricted) Are P plates similar?

Not compulsary, think Australia or New Zealand have a compulsory P plate, it's been copied over here to show an inexperienced driver.

samwsmith1

I personally wouldn't bother with P plates, I passed last september and me, my dad and instructor had the same opinion that people will treat you even worse than when learning - doing stupid things to you etc (making you feel that they have more of a right to be there than you etc).
How come you didn't drive this car before you passed? I drove the car I drive now several times a week whilst I was learning so I could get my confidence and skills up.
If you are still feeling nervous I'm sure your instructor will be happy to give you some more training in your own car now you've passed.
Finally, I would recommend Pass Plus even if it won't reduce your insurance just for the extra experience (Some councils will even pay for half or all of the cost - mine paid half of mine) after you've passed, more info here - http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/Passplusdrivingcoursefornewdrivers/index.htm

Lirin

alex21 wrote: »

Are P plates compulsory or optional? In Northern Ireland we have R plates which are compulsory for a year after passing your test (R for Restricted) Are P plates similar?

P Plates same as our R plates, but we have some restrictions on R plates that P plates don't have.... They're not compulsory, R plates are.

OP, as above, we have to display plates marking us as a new driver. I know my stance- I'd always be more aware of someone on R/P plates, as I'd regard them as inexperienced, and still learning, TBH. There's so much you pick up just via experience. I'd be more careful around R/P plates, and probably more tolerant. You'd like to think someone driving for 20 years would have better driving and judging skills than someone who's passed a month ago. Doesn't always happen though...
Some will react badly around you and deliberately goad you though- I've seen it happen more than a few times. I do think though that P plates should be mandatory in England. The equivalent works alright over here.
If you're stalling in the family car, get out and practise in it- learn where the bite point is. You'll get it in time.

teagan1966

hi
im glad it wasnt just me that stalled a lot at the start !! damm clutch here 2
i got some p plates , i have to admit most drivers were ok , u always get a !!!! who is one !!!
i just went out and drove locally and now i feel a lot better occas stall im only human , but i just swear at myself and restart lol
i think some people are more natural drivers , i started in feb and passed in the august and some one i know started at the same time and still hasnt passed yet they were a natural !
best to try ans ignore others safely of course lol and concentrate on just u
teagan

LandyAndy

Don't bother with P plates.

Do try and drive every day and you will quickly get used to the car. A couple of weeks and you'll be fine.

Even experienced drivers can struggle initially with a strange car, they just cover it up better;).