Should a novice driver display a novice sign when driving a car that is not their own?
3 Answers
Novice drivers still need to display a sign even when driving a car that is not their own. Reasons for displaying the sign: The first 12 months after obtaining a motor vehicle driver's license is considered the probationary period. During this probationary period, drivers must affix or hang a standardized probationary sign at the rear of the vehicle when driving. Precautions for novice drivers: During the probationary period, motor vehicle drivers are not allowed to drive buses, commercial passenger vehicles, police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, engineering rescue vehicles, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable and explosive chemicals, highly toxic substances, or radioactive materials. Additionally, they are not permitted to tow trailers with the vehicle they are driving.
I strongly recommend that novice drivers, even when driving someone else's car, should display a 'new driver' sign for safety reasons. With the 'L-plate' sticker, other drivers can instantly recognize your lack of experience and automatically maintain a safe distance, reducing accident risks. Once, when I drove a friend's car without the sticker, my slow start as a beginner significantly increased the chance of being rear-ended. After putting it on, I encountered far fewer issues. Statistics show that new drivers have higher accident rates, and this small sticker serves as a reminder for pedestrians and other vehicles to be more patient, avoiding unnecessary conflicts. Don’t skip this step when driving a rental or borrowed car—spend a few dollars online on a removable sticker for peace of mind, especially during rush-hour traffic or reversing. It’s a preventive measure that builds confidence and protects others.
From a legal perspective, many regions require drivers in the probationary period to display a novice sign regardless of whose car they're driving. This was a crucial point I learned during my driver's license exam—it's always better to display it to avoid violations. While some areas don't mandate it, they strongly recommend it because in case of an accident, it can serve as proof of your novice status and potentially simplify insurance claims. When driving a relative's or friend's car, proactively suggest using a magnetic sticker (which won't damage the paint)—most car owners understand this safety requirement. I've personally seen cases where novice drivers were fined by traffic police for not displaying the sign. Although rental companies may provide stickers, it's best to bring your own. Developing this good habit makes for smoother driving and reduces the embarrassment of being reprimanded.
