What's an 'L' plate?

[flying_ford_anglia]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C7161
From: flying_ford_anglia
Subject: Re: What's an 'L' plate?
Reply To: [Yahoo! #7160] Re: What's an 'L' plate?
Date: 8/18/00 5:27 am  (ET)

<<An 'L' plate is a plate you have to put on your car when you're learning
to drive. L stands for 'Learner,' and the plate is white with a big red
L on it. Thankfully, I no longer have to have them!>>

You beat me to it, Blaise!

People make a great play of 'tearing up their L-Plates' when they pass
the driving test, despite the fact that plastic L-plates are a devil to
rip in two.

I'm quite familiar with L-Plates, as it took me five attempts to pass
my driving test. I finally managed it about 18 years ago and I haven't
driven a car since. In the end I decided 'if you can't beat 'em, join
'em' and became the cheerful rust-bucket you see before you.

Neil

PS: Brides-to-be are usually expected to parade around town on their Hen
Night [Bridal Shower?], wearing L-Plates. Many British people find this
tradition amusing.