From night-time limits to longer learning: what Northern Ireland’s new driving test rules mean for you

From October, Northern Ireland (NI) will become the first part of the UK to introduce graduated driving licences. It’s a major shake-up of the system, affecting how young people learn, practise, and drive during their first years on the road.

Graduated driving licences (GDLs) introduce a set of restrictions on new drivers for an initial period after they pass their practical test. These changes will mainly target 17- to 23-year-olds and are designed to cut the number of serious and fatal crashes involving young drivers.

Similar systems already operate in countries such as Australia, the US, and the Republic of Ireland, where they’ve been credited with saving lives.

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Why the rules are changing

In 2024, 164 people were killed or seriously injured on Northern Ireland’s roads in crashes caused by drivers aged 17 to 23, according to NI’s infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins.

That age group holds just 8% of driving licences, but is involved in nearly a quarter of fatal or serious collisions.

Kimmins said the reforms are aimed at tackling that risk head-on, while the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) believes the changes will help young drivers gain experience more gradually, rather than being “thrown in at the deep end”.

What will be different for you?

If you apply for a provisional licence from 1 October, the new rules will apply to you.

First, you’ll have to wait at least six months before you can take your practical driving test. That means no more rushing through in a few weeks.

During that time, you’ll also need to complete 14 training modules. These must be signed off by an approved instructor or supervising driver such as a parent or guardian.

Once you pass your test, there will be restrictions. You’ll be required to display ‘R’ plates for two years, instead of one. A different-coloured ‘R’ plate will show when you’re in your first six months of solo driving.

Night-time and passenger limits

One of the biggest changes affects late-night driving.

For the first six months after passing your test, if you’re under 24, you’ll only be allowed one passenger aged 14 to 20 in your car between 11pm and 6am.

There are some exceptions: immediate family members don’t count, and the rule doesn’t apply if a fully licensed driver aged 21 or over, with at least three years’ experience, is sitting in the front passenger seat.

The idea is to reduce distractions during the riskiest driving hours, when many serious crashes involving young drivers occur.

Some rules are easing too

It’s not all tighter controls. The widely criticised 45mph speed limit for restricted drivers is being scrapped, something many young drivers have welcomed.

Learner drivers will also be allowed on motorways, so long as they’re accompanied by an approved instructor. After passing your test, you’ll be allowed to drive at the posted speed limit on motorways.

If you break the new rules, penalties can include three points on your licence or fines of up to £1,000.

The Department for Infrastructure says a public information campaign will launch soon, with more guidance for learners, parents and instructors ahead of October.

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