Overview
- The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme came into force on 1 October 2026 and applies to all new provisional entitlements starting that day, with transitional rules allowing learners who began earlier to finish under old rules until 31 March 2027.
- Learners must complete a six-month Mandatory Minimum Learning Period plus a compulsory Programme of Training and a signed logbook before taking a practical test.
- Newly qualified drivers face a 24-month probationary period and must display an R plate for two years, with drivers under 24 barred from carrying non-family passengers for the first six months and limited to one passenger aged 14–20 between 11pm and 6am.
- The scheme removes the previous 45mph learner speed cap, updates the practical test from April 2027 to include a longer independent driving section and sat-nav use, and sets penalties for breaches including fines and up to three penalty points for specific offences.
- Northern Ireland is the first UK jurisdiction to adopt a full GDL system, a move officials say responds to 2024 collision data showing 17–23 year-olds caused a disproportionate share of fatal and serious crashes and could prompt separate policy debates in Great Britain about similar learning and eyesight rules.