What is it with drivers who harrass L-plate riders?

**PrincessBandit** · 3rd December 2007, 21:38

An overtaking incident this afternoon while riding my "old" bike (GN250, complete with L plate for my hubby and son) made me wonder if the rude driver who forced me to abandon my overtaking manouvre (as he obviously felt his car took precedence) would have done that if I'd been on my Bandit. Brought back icky memories of my L days when some ignorant drivers decided that the yellow square with the black letter turned you into some sort of prat magnet. My appreciation to all those considerate drivers out there who realise that everyone has to start somewhere and treat others with respect. Hey, if riders and drivers all treat each other with courtesy maybe there will be fewer tragedies on our roads.

**fredie** · 4th December 2007, 00:25

very well said . good one

**terbang** · 4th December 2007, 01:19

Some quirky and rather sad part of human nature I suspect. Pick on the newbies... I never really took much notice of it until I saw a mate of mine (Blairos, when on his L plate) getting severely harassed by some dick in a VW. It was just plain hideous to watch.

**Patch** · 4th December 2007, 05:29

Thats why I never used one. and don't promote its usage.

I don't know what it is, but it seems to be an invite to tailgate the vehicle that is displaying the L.

Don't do anything stupid, and who would know who is an L and who is not.

**madandy** · 4th December 2007, 05:38

loose the L for sure!

**scootnz** · 4th December 2007, 05:53

I get a similar attitude on my vespa. I have a full licence so no L plate, but get people tailgating, moving their cars over as if they want to pass, etc etc. The attitude seems to be 'you don't belong on the road, you're dirt, get out of my way'. An L plate on a motorcycle has a similar effect on certain drivers (a minority in my experience - plenty of courteous drivers out there).

**bobsmith** · 4th December 2007, 07:25

If you want the problem solved, ride more aggressively seems to work. Even when I'm on my fiancee's 150cc scooter no one seems to tailgate or try to pass me, nor do they retaliate when I'm passing them. Just make sure that you're prepared for people that haven't seen you though. Because this tactic works half because people haven't had the time to register that "oh a small scooter/bike let's hassle them" before I've passed them and I'm already out of their sight...

p.s. not that I'm promoting aggressive riding or anything.....

**deanohit** · 4th December 2007, 07:37

Me, I ditched the L plate with in a week, I would rather take my chances with the police pulling me over than have that plate on. It's not only on the bike though, people used to do all sorts of stupid shit when I had the L plate in my car for my brother. Had to make sure I took the L plate off the window before I drove anywhere, it's like a target saying 'wind me up, I'm a learner!'
I'm only on a bike learners for another month or so anyway.

**Winter** · 4th December 2007, 08:40

I always inrease my following distance when in the cage with an L plate cage infront.

Most L plate bikes split past anyway

I didn't put an L plate on untill I got to the carpark before my test.

**Hitcher** · 4th December 2007, 19:40

Mrs H and I quickly "lost" our L-plates when we were learners, totally due to the complete and utter lack of respect shown by cage drivers with extremely small penises.

**sunhuntin** · 4th December 2007, 20:03

ive been off my l plate for about 3 weeks, after gaining them in early 2005. in the last 3 weeks, ive been tail gated more times than in almost 3 years. my riding style hasnt changed any, my bike hasnt changed. the only thing that is different is the lack of l and a different colored license.

these gators have been from all over the country and both in 50 and 100k zones. cant explain it, but sometimes i wish to god i still had that crappy bit of plastic.

**Katman** · 4th December 2007, 20:22

Originally Posted by PrincessBandit

An overtaking incident this afternoon while riding my "old" bike (GN250, complete with L plate for my hubby and son) made me wonder if the rude driver who forced me to abandon my overtaking manouvre (as he obviously felt his car took precedence) would have done that if I'd been on my Bandit. Brought back icky memories of my L days when some ignorant drivers decided that the yellow square with the black letter turned you into some sort of prat magnet. My appreciation to all those considerate drivers out there who realise that everyone has to start somewhere and treat others with respect. Hey, if riders and drivers all treat each other with courtesy maybe there will be fewer tragedies on our roads.

Sounds like a good reason to get out of South Auckland to me.

**Tank** · 4th December 2007, 20:50

I have never had a problem with the L plate - must be that Auckland drivers are simply more caring.

**NotaGoth** · 4th December 2007, 20:53

Went out for a bit minus an L plate, was left alone.... The day I put L plate back on I ended up with a nice red holden so far up my arse it wasn't funny...

I understand why people prefer not to display L plates...

I'm trying not to ditch mine though... *can't afford the fines*

**necrolyte** · 4th December 2007, 20:54

I just leave the L off the bike, if i get pulled over it'll be "Gee sorry officer it must have fallen off" I need to get my A into G and sit my restricted, been elegible for quite some time now, just lazy and poor i guess