Northern Ireland to introduce graduated driving licences in major safety reform

Northern Ireland is set to become the first part of the UK to introduce graduated driving licences, marking the most significant changes to driver licensing in more than 70 years. The reforms are aimed at reducing fatal and serious collisions involving young drivers and will come into force from October.

The new system, which applies to drivers aged 17 to 23, mirrors approaches already used in countries such as Australia, the United States and the Republic of Ireland. It will significantly change how learners train, qualify and gain experience after passing their test.

Why graduated driving licences are being introduced

The Department for Infrastructure has highlighted that young drivers remain disproportionately represented in serious collisions. In 2024 alone, 164 people were killed or seriously injured in Northern Ireland in crashes involving drivers aged 17 to 23. Despite holding just 8% of driving licences, this age group accounted for 24% of fatal or serious collisions.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the reforms are “aimed at young drivers who are sadly most likely to be killed or seriously injured on our roads”.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has also backed the changes, with senior officers stating the new approach will save lives.

Key changes under the new graduated driving licence rules

From 1 October, anyone applying for a provisional licence in Northern Ireland will be subject to the new framework, which includes:

• A minimum six-month learning period before taking a practical driving test

• Completion of 14 structured training modules, signed off by an approved driving instructor or a supervising driver such as a parent or guardian

• An extended restriction period of 24 months after passing the test, requiring drivers to display ‘R’ plates, with a different colour used during the initial six months

• Passenger and night-time restrictions for the first six months after passing, limiting drivers under 24 to one passenger aged 14–20 between 11pm and 6am, with exemptions for immediate family or when accompanied by an experienced adult driver

• Permission for learner drivers to use motorways when accompanied by an approved instructor

• Removal of the current 45mph speed restriction for restricted drivers

Drivers who breach the conditions could face three penalty points or fines of up to £1,000.

What this means for instructors

For ADIs and PDIs, the introduction of graduated driving licences places greater emphasis on structured learning, evidence-based sign-off and post-test development. The requirement to complete and validate training modules reinforces the professional role of instructors in shaping safe, responsible new drivers.

The Department for Infrastructure has confirmed it will work closely with approved instructors, enforcement agencies and other stakeholders ahead of the changes, alongside a public information campaign.

Sourced via: BBC News