Displaying L-plates
What are L-plate size and colour requirements?
The minimum size and colour of an L-plate is 14.6 cm x 14.6 cm with a black uppercase letter 'L' on a yellow background. No other colours are acceptable. The L-plate may be larger than the minimum size requirement of 14.6 cm x 14.6 cm, but not so large that it will obscure your view when learning to drive or ride.
Where can I get an L-plate?
L-plates can be purchased from most service stations, major retailers and automotive outlets.
Can I make my own L-plate?
Home-made L-plates are acceptable if they meet the specified size and colour requirements. You can make an L-plate by colour-printing and laminating this
L-plate template (PDF, 21 KB).
Where must I position my L-plates?
A L-plate must be fitted:
- to the front and rear of the car (rear only for motorbikes)
- so the 'L' character is visible on each plate from 20 metres away at any point within an arc of 45 degrees from the surface of each 'L' plate above or to either side of the car or motorbike.
Motorbikes
If your vehicle is a motorbike, you must display a L-plate next to your rear number plate or on the back of a vest worn by you while learning to ride.
Other motor vehicles
L-plates on any other motor vehicle (including B-doubles and road trains) must be positioned in one of the following combinations:
- next to your front and rear number plates
- inside the front and rear windscreen
- on the bonnet and boot of the vehicle.
What are the penalties for not displaying L-plates?
Penalties when learning with an accredited driver trainer or rider trainer
An accredited driver-trainer or rider-trainer who provides the vehicle and fails to display the required L-plates may be dealt with by a court. The maximum penalty is A$2000.
Penalties when learning with a non-accredited supervising driver
You and your supervising driver will each be fined A$160 if L-plates are not displayed.
What are the penalties for displaying L-plates if I'm not a learner driver?
Drivers who display L-plates when they are not a learner driver will be fined A$80.
However, accredited driver trainers and rider trainers may continue to display L-plates on their vehicle after they have finished giving a driving lesson.
Can I display a company logo on my L-plates?
Yes. You may display a company logo around the outside of the L-plate, but it must not form part of the minimum size requirements. For example, the placement of a frame with the name of a driving school is allowed to be placed around the L-plate, but it must not encroach on the minimum size requirements of the L-plate.
The display of company logos on L-plates is a commercial transaction between an individual and the manufacturer of the plates. The department does not have a list of these manufacturers.
