Natural reaction to P-plates

Bravehearted_2

The brother has passed his test and has a car.

Thinking of getting him P-plates so that other road users give him a break. But for some weird reason I think it may evoke the opposite behaviour i.e. they become impatient, want to overtake, don't let him in a queue etc.

Am I right or are the plates beneficial still?

s_b

i think most people wouldnt have a clue what they are and if this person who might have them on his car makes a genuine mistake hes more likely to get parped at
bit like trade plates,i see them as someone not used to driving the vehicle and so give them distance,most people just think that they mean foreign plates i reckon

TrickyWicky

I wanted P plates but couldn't afford them. When I first passed my braking was horrendous.. the car could almost stand on its front and even the examiner said some would question why he'd passed me if I didn't improve on it. I also stalled a LOT. I wanted P plates as I knew people would get miffed with me and I thought it would at least let them see I was a new driver.

My OH didn't like them at all but used them for a week. I even followed her to work and back a couple of times as she was a really nervous driver.

Decent road users will understand and respect P plates as being a driver who's not long qualified and might still be a bit nervous. It's the arrogant idiots that will hoot and just expect you to get out of their way.

Mobeer

My instructor always advised against P plates, and I would do the same. Considerate drivers will still be considerate regardless of whether you have the plates , but the bad drivers will see a nervous driver who will be easy to cut up, or pull out in front of.

forgotmyname

Unless they were a legal requirement i wouldn't use them. Everyone will know you have just passed and may take liberties, Cutting you up etc.

property.advert

I don't agree with many - I would use them and if I saw a car with them (there is one a few doors from me) I would note that in my actions.

Alias_Omega

I would avoid the "P Plate" thing, its not cool..

james007ago

i myself used the "p-plate" when i just passed. IMO, i didnt find it quite helpful in that some drivers overtake me when im doing the speed limit. I removed it when encountered with another guy who kept on blasting his horn, what an a***! but then again i lived in london.

jetplane

I always give P plates a wide berth incase they are nervous. However my daughters instructor advised against them and told her that other drivers can get impatient more quickly if they see a P plate.

scotsbob

Both my son and daughter used them and found them to be helpful, although they only kept them on for a few days because of the "being cool" thing.

If I see someone with P plates I always try to show a little bit more understanding and consideration.

Harry_Flashman

I drive for a living and time is money.

I will get round anyone I think will hold me up as soon as possible - P plates are a badge that allows me to spot someone who's likely to hold me up.