Graduated driving licences set to be introduced in Northern Ireland

Consumer Editor

4 minute read|30th Jan 2026

Northern Ireland is set to become the first part of the UK to roll out a graduated driving licence scheme aimed at improving safety among young and inexperienced drivers.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed that the new Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system will take effect on October 1^st 2026.

Under the new rules, drivers under 24 will face a six‑month night‑time restriction, allowing them to carry only one passenger aged 14 to 20 between 11pm and 6am.

Immediate family members are exempt, and the rule does not apply if a qualified supervising driver aged 21 or over, with at least three years’ experience, is in the front passenger seat.

Newly qualified drivers will also need to display an R plate for two years instead of one.

Interestingly, the current 45mph limit associated with the plate will be removed.

The Department for Infrastructure have also announced that learning to drive in Northern Ireland will change as well.

Prospective drivers must complete at least six months of lessons before taking the practical test, following a structured programme of 14 modules signed off by an instructor.

For the first time, learners will also be permitted to drive on motorways when accompanied by an approved instructor.

Minister Kimmins said: “These changes are aimed at young drivers who are sadly most likely to be killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“In 2024, there were 164 casualties (killed or seriously injured) from collisions where a car driver aged 17-23 was responsible. This age group of drivers account for 24% of fatal or serious collisions despite holding just 8% of licences.

“Behind these figures are too many shattered lives as loved ones who set off on an everyday journey suffer life changing injuries or are never coming home to their family and friends.

“The introduction of GDL plans to achieve this through a structured approach to learning to drive, including the completion of a Programme of Training and Logbook.

“This will better prepare drivers for both the driving test and initial post-test driving period by helping learners understand how human factors such as their attitude, personality, behaviour, and feelings affect their driving style.

“Road safety is a priority, and GDL will be a valuable tool to help me ensure everyone who uses our roads, does so safely.”