L-plate requirements explained
4 min read
L plates must be displayed at the front and rear of any vehicle driven by a learner, must be clearly visible, and must use the standard red L on a white background at the regulation size (the letter is 89mm tall on a 178mm by 178mm plate). In Wales a red D plate may be used instead. Driving without correct plates can attract a fine and up to six penalty points.
Placement and visibility
One plate at the front and one at the rear, both clearly visible to other road users. They must not obscure your view, your number plate or your lights. Magnetic plates are convenient but check they are still attached after motorway-speed driving or a car wash.
Size and design
The standard plate is 178mm square with a red letter L on a white background, the letter measuring 89mm high with a 38mm stroke width. Novelty plates, tiny stickers and faded or peeling plates do not meet the requirement.
Wales and D plates
In Wales you may display a red D plate (for 'dysgwr', meaning learner) instead of an L plate. D plates are only valid in Wales — if you drive into England or Scotland you must display L plates.
When to remove them
Remove or cover the plates as soon as a full licence holder is driving the car alone, and take them off once you pass your test. Some new drivers choose to display green P plates afterwards — these are entirely optional and carry no legal weight.
Common questions
- What happens if I drive without L plates?
- It is an offence. You can be fined and receive up to six penalty points — which, for a new driver, can mean losing your licence within the first two years of passing.
- Do I have to remove L plates when a full licence holder drives?
- Yes, unless another learner is about to drive. Leaving them on while driving alone as a full licence holder can be misleading to other road users.
- Are green P plates compulsory after passing?
- No. P plates are voluntary in Great Britain and have no legal requirement attached.