L plates: rules, size and when you need them
Anyone learning to drive on a provisional licence in England, Scotland and Wales must display red L plates on the front and rear of the vehicle. The plates must meet a minimum size and be clearly visible. Remove them whenever the car is not being driven by a learner.
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Who must display L plates?
Any driver using a provisional licence to learn to drive on public roads must display L plates on the vehicle they are driving. This applies regardless of whether the vehicle is owned by the learner, a driving instructor, or a friend or family member supervising them.
The requirement applies to all motor vehicles being used by a learner driver on public roads. It does not apply to driving on private land.
In Wales, drivers may use red D plates (for "dysgwr", meaning learner in Welsh) as an alternative to L plates. Both are legally equivalent in Wales. L plates are not valid as D plates in Wales, but D plates are valid in England and Scotland.
Where must L plates be displayed?
One L plate must be displayed at the front of the vehicle and one at the rear. They must be clearly visible to other road users.
Acceptable positions include: affixed to the front bumper or grille, displayed in the front windscreen (inside, facing outward), on the rear boot or tailgate, or in the rear window. The key requirement is that they are clearly legible from a reasonable distance and not obscured by anything.
Magnetic L plates that attach to the bodywork are widely used because they are easy to add and remove. Self-adhesive plates are also permitted but less practical if the car is shared between a learner and a qualified driver.
L plate size requirements
The L plate must meet minimum size standards set by The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999. The red letter L must be at least 89mm tall and the plate must be at least 178mm wide and 178mm tall overall.
Standard commercial L plates are made to these dimensions. If you make your own plate, it must meet these minimum requirements. The letter must be red on a white background.
When must L plates be removed?
L plates must be removed, covered or folded when the vehicle is not being driven by a learner. If a qualified driver takes the wheel - for example, if the supervising driver needs to move the car - the plates should be removed or covered.
Failing to remove L plates when not required is not a specific criminal offence but it is considered poor practice and in some circumstances (such as using L plates to gain access to a learner-only route that exists in certain countries) could attract police attention. For practical purposes, magnetic plates are the easiest solution for shared vehicles.
Who can supervise a learner driver?
The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a full driving licence for the relevant category of vehicle for at least three years. They must be sober and fit to drive, and must sit in the front passenger seat.
The supervising driver is not considered to be driving the vehicle but bears legal responsibility for the learner's use of the road. If the learner commits an endorsable offence, the supervising driver may also face prosecution in some circumstances.
L plates and motorway driving
Learner drivers were permitted to drive on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales from June 2018, provided they are accompanied by an approved driving instructor (ADI) and driving a dual-controlled vehicle. Learners accompanied only by a friend or family member are not permitted on motorways under this rule - the supervising driver must be a qualified ADI.
Our guide to learner driver motorway rules covers this in more detail, including what the ADI must do if things go wrong.
Insuring a learner driver in a private car
If you are learning to drive in a friend's or family member's car, the vehicle needs to be insured for learner use. Many annual car insurance policies do not automatically cover provisional licence holders. Learner driver insurance provides comprehensive cover for a learner in a private car without affecting the car owner's annual policy or no claims discount.
Frequently asked questions
Where do L plates go on a car?
One L plate must go at the front of the vehicle and one at the rear. They can be fixed to the bumper, grille or bodywork, or displayed facing outward in the windscreen or rear window. Magnetic plates are popular as they are easily removed. The key requirement is that both plates are clearly visible from a reasonable distance.
What is the minimum size for an L plate?
The red L letter must be at least 89mm tall. The plate itself must be at least 178mm wide and 178mm tall. The letter must be red on a white background. Commercial L plates are made to these dimensions as standard.
Can a learner drive without L plates?
No. Displaying L plates front and rear is a legal requirement for any provisional licence holder driving on public roads. Driving without them is an offence and could result in a fixed penalty and points on the provisional licence.
Do you have to use D plates in Wales?
No. Both L plates and D plates are accepted in Wales. D plates (red D on white background, meaning 'dysgwr' in Welsh) are the Welsh language alternative but L plates are also valid. D plates are also accepted in England and Scotland.
When can you remove L plates?
L plates must be removed or covered whenever the vehicle is not being driven by a learner. If a qualified driver takes the wheel, the plates should come off. Magnetic plates make this quick and practical for cars shared between a learner and a qualified driver.
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