L plates and a US license

So I'm learning to drive here in the UK and it's progressing nicely. My concern is that when I am driving I still hesitate a bit at roundabouts, intersections, etc and people behind me (understandably) get a bit impatient. My boyfriend has suggested I put L plates on the car when he takes me out driving, at least until I get a bit more practice, so maybe other drivers might have a bit more patience. Would that be legal?

I've only been here 2 months, so I'm well within my 1 year driving privileges. I'm not horrible at driving, I'm just still new to manual gear boxes and getting comfortable with it (I only drive on quieter roads at the moment for the practice). Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Yep, it's fine.

Lots of people keep their L even after passing the test just for kindness from other drivers. There is a green P or L and they both serve the same purpose.

Personally, I'd go for the green P... same forgiveness and I wouldn't feel like I was driving with a big LOSER sign on my car. Plus, you wouldn't get hassled if you were caught driving alone.

it's fine.

Yep, the law stipulates when you must display L-plates, but there's nothing to say that they can't be fitted at any other time.

Hi liberty,

I'm sure you've already done it, but just to point out, ensure you have full insurance to drive the car you are practicing in - Also i think there is some sort of stipulation of having another driver with you during practice time who's had their full licence for a minimum length of time before being allowed to supervise a new driver.

not nit picking, just making sure you have the heads up on the full situation and possibly any others as well to check out!

Good luck, and I'm sure with good practice you'll be fine at driving at the areas which currently cause you to hesitate!

Cheers! DtM! West London & Slough UK!

Also i think there is some sort of stipulation of having another driver with you during practice time who's had their full licence for a minimum length of time before being allowed to supervise a new driver.

The supervising driver must be at least 21 and have held a full license for a minimum of 3 years.   

Would only be legally required after the 12-month grace on the U.S. license has expired though, so that you would then be driving on just a U.K. provisional (learner's) license.

Thanks for all the advice. I've got fully comprehensive insurance on my car, and it's the only car I drive, so I'm good there. I'm not confident enough to drive on my own yet, but I know I technically can till I've hit the one year mark. I think I'll get the L plates just for the sake of it and use them until I'm a bit better. My hang up with driving a manual is confidence, I'm a good driver, I'm just not that confident with it.

Hang in there, Liberty. Your confidence will increase with time.

I was in the same position and I (foolishly) put off driving for the first few months here. I'm now about 10 weeks away from the end of my one-year grace period and frantically trying to squeeze in all the steps required to get a full British licence in time (provisional licence, theory test, lessons, and practical test).

The more practice you have early on, the easier it will be. Good luck!