Learner rules and L plates

By the end of this topic you can

• You can check that your accompanying driver is qualified.
• You can fit L plates that meet the legal standard.
• You can list the roads and activities that are off-limits to learners.
• You can explain the penalties for driving unaccompanied or without L plates.

What you need to know and understand

• A car learner must be accompanied by someone who has held a full licence in the same category for at least 2 continuous years.
• L plates show a red letter L at least 15 cm high on a white background, displayed front and rear.
• Learners must not drive on a motorway, tow a trailer or carry passengers for payment.
• You must carry your learner permit every time you drive.
• Driving unaccompanied is a 160 euro fixed charge and 2 penalty points (4 on conviction).
• Not displaying L plates is a 120 euro fixed charge and 2 penalty points (4 on conviction).

Who can sit beside you

Your accompanying driver must hold a full licence for a car and have held it for at least 2 years without a break. A novice on N plates does not qualify. Choose someone who will stay alert and sober throughout, because they are there to guide you.

A car driven by an unaccompanied learner can be impounded, and an owner who allows an unaccompanied learner to drive their car can be fined up to 1,000 euro. So this is a rule that affects the whole family, not only you.

Getting your L plates right

At the driving test, missing or incorrect L plates mean the test does not go ahead.

• Rectangular plates with a red L on a white background.
• The letter must be at least 15 cm high.
• One at the front and one at the rear, clearly visible.
• Placed so they do not block your view through the windscreen or rear window.
• Replace faded, torn or curled plates.

What a learner must not do

Dual carriageways are not motorways, so learners may use them, but only when you and your accompanying driver feel ready. Points add up fast: two speeding offences and one L plate offence already take a learner past 7 points and into a 6 month ban.

• Drive alone, even for a short trip.
• Use a motorway.
• Tow a trailer.
• Carry passengers for payment.
• Drive after drinking: the lower alcohol limit applies to learners.

Common mistakes

• Asking a newly qualified friend to sit in. They need 2 years on a full licence.
• Using a home-made L that is too small. The letter must be at least 15 cm high.
• Driving solo the day you pass the test. You remain a learner until the full licence is issued.
• Following the sat nav onto a motorway. Plan routes that avoid them.

Test yourself: Learner rules and L plates

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Breaking Down on an Irish Motorway
• Six Month Rule and L Plates in Ireland