Tue, 27 Jan 2026

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 NI to become first in the UK to introduce graduated driving licences

The new rules will be introduced in October and are described as the most significant reform of driver licensing for 70 years.

* New drivers will have to wait at least six months before taking a practical test
* Restrictions on night-time driving: no driving between midnight and 5am, except with an approved supervising driver
* Passenger restrictions: new drivers can only carry passengers who are close family members or friends (no more than one passenger at a time)
* No speed limit for restricted drivers will be removed, allowing them to drive at the national speed limit of 70mph
* Drivers who break these rules could face three penalty points or a fine of up to £1,000 The new rules are aimed at reducing fatal road crashes involving young people, with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins saying they are "aimed at young drivers who are sadly most likely to be killed or seriously injured on our roads". The graduated driver licensing reforms will apply to all new drivers in Northern Ireland from October 2023.
  >>