Crossword Genius

Pre-test indicators record unpopular shifts? (1-6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

l-plates

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'unpopular shifts?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'pre-test indicators record' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'record' could be 'lp' (abbreviation for long play record) and 'lp' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for l-plates that I've seen before include "Pallets compulsory for novice drivers" , "Cutlery for learning to drive" , "Signs of a learner driver" .)

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