Major driving licence changes from October — what learners and new drivers need to know
- Love Ballymena
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Learner and newly qualified drivers across Northern Ireland are being urged to prepare for the biggest overhaul of the driver licensing and testing system in around 70 years, with new rules taking effect from 1 October.
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) will introduce a compulsory six-month minimum learning period, mandatory training recorded in a logbook and new restrictions for young people after they pass their test.
The changes will also extend the period during which newly qualified drivers must display an R plate from one year to two years, while removing the existing 45mph restriction for new drivers.
An advertising campaign is now under way to make learners, parents and newly qualified drivers aware of the new system before it comes into operation.
Six months of learning before practical test
Under GDL, learner drivers will have to complete a minimum learning period of six months before they can take their practical driving test.
They will also have to complete a structured programme of training, with their progress recorded in a logbook before they become eligible for the test.
The Department for Infrastructure says the approach is intended to develop safer drivers rather than focusing solely on the technical skills required to pass a test.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said:
“The fundamental goal of learning to drive and the licensing process is to create drivers and motorcyclists who are safe, and not just technically competent.
“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.”
New restrictions after passing the test
The changes will not end when a learner passes their practical test.
The current 12-month restricted period will increase to 24 months, meaning newly qualified drivers will have to display a distinguishing plate on their vehicle for two years after receiving a full licence.
New drivers under the age of 24 will also face nighttime driving restrictions for their first six months.
Age-related nighttime passenger restrictions will apply to newly qualified drivers, although immediate family members will be exempt.
The measures are intended to address the higher collision risk among younger and inexperienced motorists.
According to figures highlighted by the Infrastructure Minister, 164 people were killed or seriously injured during 2024 in collisions where a car driver aged between 17 and 23 was responsible.
Drivers in that age group accounted for 24% of fatal or serious collisions despite holding only 8% of driving licences.
Ms Kimmins said:
“Road safety is of the utmost importance to me. I will continue to do all that I can to make our roads safer.”
Motorway rules will also change
The new system will bring significant changes to motorway driving.
Learner drivers displaying L plates will be permitted to drive on a motorway when accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor.
After passing their test, drivers will receive the new R plate and will also be permitted to use motorways.
Importantly, newly qualified drivers will be able to travel at the posted motorway speed limit rather than being restricted to the current 45mph maximum applying to R drivers.
‘Road Ready’ campaign launched
A multi-media advertising campaign has been launched ahead of the October changes, using television, digital, bus and on-street advertising under a new “Road Ready” identity.
Ms Kimmins described the reforms as “the most significant change to driver licensing and testing since the 1950s”.
She said:
“The advertising campaign has been developed to highlight the changes coming in from 1 October 2026 to the way people learn to drive.
“It raises awareness of the change and sign-posts the public to nidirect where they can get more detailed information about the changes.”
A revised Highway Code is also being introduced to incorporate the new rules governing learner and newly qualified drivers.
What changes from 1 October
The Graduated Driver Licensing system will include:
A minimum six-month learning period before taking the practical driving test.
A mandatory programme of training which must be completed and recorded in a logbook before taking the practical test.
An increase in the restricted period for newly qualified drivers from 12 months to 24 months.
A requirement to display the new R plate for two years after receiving a full licence.
Six months of nighttime driving restrictions for new drivers under 24.
Age-related nighttime passenger restrictions for newly qualified drivers, with an exemption for immediate family members.
Permission for learners to drive on motorways when accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor.
Permission for newly qualified R drivers to use motorways and drive up to the posted speed limit.
The new rules come into operation on 1 October 2026, making the weeks ahead particularly important for anyone currently learning to drive, preparing for a test or expecting to qualify around the changeover date.
Full information on Graduated Driver Licensing and how the changes will operate is available here.
The Department for Infrastructure’s “Road Ready” advert can be viewed below.
