Where should L plates be displayed on a car in the UK?

Any car driven by a learner in Great Britain must display red L plates at the front and rear. The plates must meet the legal specification and be clearly visible to other road users from in front and behind. They should be removed or covered when the car is not being driven by a learner, except on a driving-school vehicle.

In Wales, D plates can be used instead, but the visibility requirement still matters. A plate hidden by a boot lid, a bike rack, a dark window or a loose cover is not doing its job.

Where should the plates go?

Place one plate on the front and one on the rear where they can be seen clearly and do not obscure lights, the number plate or the driver's view. Follow the plate manufacturer's instructions and make sure the fixing is secure before moving off. If a magnetic plate will not sit flat or keeps lifting, choose a safe, legal alternative.

Can an L plate go inside a window?

Only if it remains clearly visible from outside and does not obstruct your view. A plate behind a tinted or heavily shaded window may be difficult to see, and a suction cup or loose paper can fall while you drive. Check both visibility and the vehicle's safety before setting off.

Quick pre-drive check

• One red L plate is visible at the front and one at the rear.
• Neither plate is twisted, covered, dirty or partly hidden.
• The plate does not cover a lamp, registration mark or safety equipment.
• The plate is removed or covered when the car is being driven by someone who is not a learner, unless it is a school vehicle.

Do this check before every lesson. It takes less time than discovering a loose plate at the roadside, and it builds the same preparation habit you need for lights, mirrors and tyres.

Practise vehicle checks in our theory area, then ask your instructor to review your car before a lesson.

Official reference: The Highway Code: learner driver requirements. Reviewed 4 October 2026.