Highway code re learners on Motorway

[Webby]

Last week I was on the M3 and the traffic was at a crawl. On the inside lane I noticed a BSM car, bearing "L" plates, with two people in it. I think it must have been a learner driving because he was gripping the wheel in the regulation "10 to 2" manner and looking ahead intently.

When I was a learner I couldn't drive on motorways and even cars carrying "L" plates were not allowed. Has the law changed?

[john_h]

no it hasnt changed, but he could of already passed his test and doing a pass plus course. they take you on the motorway for that.

i sometimes went down the A1 when i was learning but there is only certain parts up here that are the A1(m), so it was legal on the A1 bit.

[Webby]

My undersanding was that no vehicle displaying a "L" plate was allowed - any such plate had to be covered up. Admittedly, this is the only instance I've seen of this.

[john_h]

i see loads, especially the ones where the sticker is attached to the paintwork....mine was a magnet so i pulled mine off when my dad wanted the car.

sometimes the bigger companies like the aa and red have theirs decaled on....i think its down to if the driver has passed or not. would cost far too much to keep removing them for someone (who has passed) to drive down a motorway.

[Gibbo]

I think technically the red L plate should only be on display when the operator of the car is a learner driver.

But I don't think people care any more and take them off when a qualified driver is driving.

Its just like the rest of driving standards these days - red light jumpers, box junction blockers, people failing to observe zebra crossing, failing to indicate, failure to check their lights and so on.

[Webby]

Some good points raised by john_h and gibbo. I must try not to let these things rankle me!

[john_h]

i think gibbo has hit the nail on the head...

i just popped down to the shops and motor factors in whitby and on the way back i realised i was driving like a dick...overtaking everyone doing 50mph in a 60mph area!!!

[jmkent]

Taken straight from Highway Code

Vehicles. Any vehicle driven by a learner MUST display red L plates. In Wales, either red D plates, red L plates, or both, can be used. Plates MUST conform to legal specifications and MUST be clearly visible to others from in front of the vehicle and from behind. Plates should be removed or covered when not being driven by a learner (except on driving school vehicles).

Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements : Directgov - Travel and transport

[Webby]

You live and learn! I still think the driver was a learner though.