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Northern Ireland to Introduce Major Changes for New Drivers in 2026

Belfast, Northern Ireland – 27 January 2026: Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure has announced the most significant overhaul of the driver licensing system in almost 70 years, with a new Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme set to take effect on 1 October 2026.  

The reforms aim to improve road safety by giving new drivers — especially the youngest — a more structured period of training and supervision before and after they pass their driving test. This comes in response to road collision statistics showing that young drivers are disproportionately involved in serious and fatal crashes.  

Structured Learning: A Six-Month Minimum Training Period

Under GDL, learner drivers must now complete a mandatory minimum six-month training period before they can book a practical driving test. During this time, learners will follow a certified Programme of Training, and record their progress in a logbook signed off by either an approved instructor or a supervising driver.  

This structured approach seeks to ensure learners gain real experience behind the wheel — not just enough to pass a test — before driving independently.  

New Rules After Passing: ‘R’ Plates and Restrictions

Once a learner successfully passes their practical driving test, they’ll enter a post-test period with additional safeguards:

• New drivers will display a newly introduced ‘R’ plate for recognition on the roads.  

• The period for such restrictions will be extended from the previous 12 months to 24 months.  

• Drivers under 24 face new night-time and passenger restrictions during their first six months on the road. They may only carry one passenger aged 14–20 between 23:00 and 06:00, unless accompanied by a family member or an experienced driver (at least 21 years old with three years’ licence).  

These measures are designed to reduce the risks associated with late-night driving and peer distractions — factors known to contribute to collisions involving newly qualified drivers.  

Motorway Driving and Speed Limits

One of the more welcomed changes for many learners is the removal of the old 45 mph maximum speed limit for both learner and restricted drivers.  

Learners will also be allowed to drive on motorways while accompanied by an approved driving instructor. Once they’ve passed their test and are displaying their R plates, they may drive on motorways at the posted speed limit — a big shift from previous restrictions.  

Penalties for Breaking the New Rules

New drivers who fail to comply with the GDL restrictions — such as the night-time or passenger limits — could soon face penalty points or fines up to £1,000 if caught by police.  

These enforcement measures are intended to reinforce the importance of the new regime and encourage safer driving habits early in a driver’s career. 

What This Means for Prospective Drivers

For anyone planning to start learning to drive in Northern Ireland over the next year, the introduction of GDL means:

• Expect a minimum six-month learning period before booking a practical test.  

• Ensure you keep a training logbook with all required modules completed.  

• After passing, look out for new R plates and follow post-test rules strictly.  

Officials say a public information campaign will launch ahead of the October 2026 start date to help learners, instructors and motorists understand all the changes well in advance.  

Looking Ahead

Transport Minister Liz Kimmins described the GDL reforms as a major step toward safer roads and better-prepared drivers, noting that nearly one-quarter of fatal collisions involve drivers aged 17–23 even though they make up less than one-tenth of licence holders.  

Whether these changes will affect insurance costs — already a key concern for young drivers — remains to be seen, but the government’s focus is clear: safer, more confident drivers behind the wheel from day one.

Attached is a news article regarding changes for new drivers in Northern Ireland 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cew87q890pyo

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley