All you needed was a horse a cart and a couple of shillings.

Nowadays it is a bit harder because vehicles are faster, stronger and can easily kill people if the driver, among other reasons does not concentrate or is inexperienced.

To get driving experience most people have to drive on the road, a bit of a catch 22 situation.

This is why we have the L-plates and P-plates.

From the November, 2017 there will be changes in the system for L and P-plate licence holders so if this is you, get onto the interweb and have a look on the appropriate web site.

If you are a P-plate licence holder, an easy way to lose your licence is to continually fail to display your Ps.

It’s not hard to get a suitable holder to display your P-plates.

Once installed in a correct position you don’t have to worry about the two points off your licence and the $257 fine ever again.

The Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Regulation 2008 states;

P-1 - The holder must not drive any motor vehicle unless a sign, issued or authorised by the authority and displaying the letter P in red on a white background, is displayed:

P2 -  The holder must not drive any motor vehicle unless a sign, issued or authorised by the authority and displaying the letter P in green on a white background, is displayed:

If a vehicle is not towing a trailer, P-plates must be displayed in a conspicuous position at the front and rear of the vehicle, or a conspicuous position on the roof of the vehicle [like driving schools have].

If towing a trailer, P-plates must be displayed in a conspicuous position at the front of the vehicle and the rear of the trailer, or a conspicuous position on the roof of the vehicle.

The plates must be clearly visible and not in any way obscure the letter P on the sign when viewed from ahead of or behind the vehicle.

Failing to comply with these regulations may well end up a costly exercise for you.

Remember you can Dob in a Druggie any time you like by contacting Nowra Police or ringing Crime Stoppers.

And also do not drink and drive.

As always, in case of an emergency call 000. In non-emergencies call the Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. For domestic and family violence information, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. For Shoalhaven Domestic Violence officers call 4421 966  or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au.

Don’t forget, cops are tops.