Is it illegal for learner drivers to carry passengers?
WHEN you are learning to drive, there are certain restrictions in place that are only lifted once you become a fully qualified driver.
Safety on the roads is very important and the less experienced you are behind the wheel, the more risk you pose to others on the road. So what are the rules on carrying passengers as a learner?
Is it illegal for learner drivers to carry passengers?
When it comes to passengers in your car as a learner, as long as you don’t go over the legal number of people the vehicle is meant to hold, you’re good.
What you must make sure is that the person in the passenger seat is a fully qualified driver.
This could be a friend or family member that's at least 21 years of age, is qualified to drive the type of vehicle you're learning in, and has had a licence for at least three years.
So, in a typical five-seater vehicle, you’ll be able to carry the passenger who’s supervising you and up to three passengers in the back seat.
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Can a learner driver go on the motorway?
Driving on the motorway for the first time can be pretty daunting for new or young drivers.
So in June 2019, the law was changed allowing learner drivers to take lessons on the motorway.
They must only drive on the motorway while accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a vehicle with dual controls.
Having an experienced driving instructor in the car when driving can help you understand the rules of the motorway, making you feel more comfortable and secure.
You can only drive on the motorway unsupervised once you have passed your driving test.
Do learners have to use L plates?
All learner drivers in the UK must display learner plates every time they are driving a car.
They alert other road users that there's a novice driver controlling the car.
They are a legal requirement so if you don't display a learner plate while driving, you can get up to six points on your licence.
You must display two L plates while driving: on the front and rear of a car.
Avoid fixing them to the windscreen or back window, as they can restrict your view.
After passing the test, as a fully qualified driver, you can no longer display the L plates. Instead you may opt to use the P plates.
P (probationary) plates are not a legal requirement but you may choose to display them on your vehicle until you feel confident enough to remove them.