NI becomes UK’s first to roll out graduated licensing for young drivers
Northern Ireland will become the UK’s first region to implement graduated driver licensing for provisional licences held by 17‑ to 23‑year‑olds, introducing a six‑month wait before testing, 14 required training modules, a longer post‑test ‘R’ plate period, night‑time and passenger restrictions for six months after passing, motorway coaching for learner drivers, and removal of the 45mph limit for restricted drivers. Penalties can reach up to £1,000 or three points. The reform aims to cut deaths and injuries among young drivers, who in 2024 accounted for about 24% of fatal or serious crashes despite holding around 8% of licences.
