L plates, also known as learner plates, are magnetic signs or adhesive stickers that new drivers are required by law to display on their vehicles to indicate that they are in the process of learning to drive.

These plates are typically white with a red letter 'L' displayed on them, and they must be placed on both the front and rear of the vehicle in order for the learner driver to legally be behind the wheel. At all times, they must be clear to all road userrs.

The plates are used by learner drivers who are in the process of obtaining their full UK driving licence.

Correct L plates need to be specific size and follow the prescribed design, set out by the Government. This means that the letter 'L' must be at least 79mm tall, with a width of at least 14mm.

Whether they are taking driving lessons or are going to take their practical driving test, the L plates should be on the vehicle else at all times.

Should they pass both the practical and driving theory test, then they can remove the L plates.

If you are teaching someone to drive, then you must be a qualified and licenced driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a full driving licence for at least three years. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring the learner driver follows the rules of the road and keeps the L plates on at all times.

Both L and P plates are a crucial necessity for UK roads for several reasons.

Firstly, they are there to increase safety for all road users. They serve as a clear indicator that the driver is a learner – or recently passed their test – and has limited experience behind the wheel. This helps other drivers and pedestrians exercise caution and patience when they are nearby.

By identifying themselves as learners, other drivers are more likely to receive considerate of their situation and be less aggressive and impatient towards them.

It also helps them be more alert of potential hazards for both themselves and the learner driver. This leads to slower and safer driving.

Also – L plates are a legal requirement for these reasons. P plates are optional for the driver.

However, everyone who drives has gone through the experience of learning and passing a test – so leaving the P plate on will mean they are more likely to empathise with what they are going through.

For learners themselves, displaying L plates can be a source of growing their confidence when driving and helps them develop safe driving habits.