@JLeslie, we have the learners period too. The graduated part comes in after you pass your test. The plate isn’t actually different on the car but you do have to have a large P very visible in your car so other drivers are aware you are on P plates and there are (I think) two levels of Provisional driving. Then you go to an open licence and no sign is necessary. You used to just get your learners, go for your test (which includes a written and practical component) and then you got your licence.
I actually think the graduated system is good because it apart from expecting the new driver (usually young) to not drink at all and other similar constraints, it alerts other drivers that the person in the car near us is inexperienced and perhaps more likely to make an error.
Sadly, it seems like many young drivers still die on our roads each year. I don’t have the actual figures to hand.
@9thCipher, while this may not happen where you live, it does point out the importance of checking with your own driving instructor about the specific rules where you live.