In Northern Ireland, the process of learning to drive and transitioning to full driving privileges involves the use of red learner (L) plates and amber restricted (R) plates.
These plates serve as visual indicators of a driver’s experience level, helping other road users to be aware of learners and newly qualified drivers. Understanding the rules and regulations associated with L and R plates is crucial for both learners and new drivers to navigate the roads safely and responsibly. This blog answers all your questions about L and R plates.
When do I use L plates?
You must display L plates on the vehicle you are using when you are learning to drive.
How many L plates do I need to display?
When you’re learning to drive in Northern Ireland, you need to display two L plates: one on the front of the vehicle, and one on the rear.
Where do I need to display them?
L plates must be clearly visible to other road users, and they should be positioned in a way that they can easily be seen from both the front and rear of the vehicle. Typically, this means attaching them to the front and rear bumpers of the car. Ensure that the plates are not obstructed by dirt or any other objects, and that they will stay put while driving. A convenient way to do this is to use magnetic plates.
Can I drive on motorways as a learner driver?
Learners in Northern Ireland are not permitted to drive on motorways during their learning period.
Are there any other driving restrictions when displaying L plates?
Other restrictions include:
- Supervised driving: Learners must be accompanied by a qualified driver at all times when driving, i.e. someone who is over 21 and has held a full EC/EEA licence specific to the vehicle being driven (manual or automatic) for at least three years
- Speed restrictions: When L plates are displayed and a learner is driving they cannot exceed 45mph.
- The L plates must be removed or covered when the learner is not the one driving the vehicle
How long do I have to display L plates?
The length of time a learner driver must display L plates varies, but it is generally until you pass your driving test and receive your full driving licence. Read our useful blog about taking your driving test in Northern Ireland. The learning period allows new drivers to gain sufficient experience and confidence on the roads.
When do I use R plates?
After passing the driving test in Northern Ireland, drivers are required to display R plates for no less than 12 months. Note that these should be removed or covered when unrestricted drivers are using the vehicle.
What are the restrictions for R plate drivers?
The maximum speed permitted for newly qualified drivers in the first year of driving without L plates is 45mph.
Can I drive on motorways as a newly qualified driver?
Unlike learners, drivers with R plates are free to drive on motorways. However, you must still stick to the 45mph speed limit for restricted drivers.
How many R plates do I need to display?
Similar to L plates, R plates should be displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Where do I need to display them?
R plates must be clearly visible to other road users, so they should bedisplayed prominently on the front and rear of the vehicle. The goal is to inform other drivers that the person behind the wheel is a newly qualified driver.
Understanding L and R plates
Understanding the regulations surrounding L and R plates in Northern Ireland is essential for both learners and new drivers.
These visual indicators not only communicate the driver’s level of experience to others on the road but also help in implementing graduated licensing systems that enhance road safety.
By following the rules associated with these plates and the accompanying driving restrictions, individuals can navigate their learning journey and early driving years with responsibility and awareness, contributing to a safer driving environment for all road users.
Get learner driver insurance from 77p per day
When you’re learning to drive, it’s important that you take out learner driver insurance for any private practice. At Sterling NI, our learner driver insurance starts from 77p a day. Unlike many other providers, you can start building a no claims bonus as a learner, which can help reduce your young driver insurance. Call us on 0344 381 9990 for a quote.
