Graduated Driver Licensing for newly qualified drivers
Newly qualified drivers under the Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) scheme will use new blue ‘R’ plates and display them for a longer period of two years. There are also new night-time driving protections and passenger limits.
‘R’ plate requirements
Currently in Northern Ireland all newly qualified drivers are required to display an ‘R’ plate for 12 months after passing their practical driving test.
From 1 October new drivers must display an ‘R’ plate for a period of two years after passing their test, which will be split into:
- initial six months post-test - includes age-related passenger and night-time restrictions, indicated by a plate with a blue ‘R’ on a white background
- remaining 18 months post-test - identified by a plate with a white ‘R’ on a blue background
The longer new driver period of two-years is a proven extra layer of protection during the period when new drivers, particularly new young drivers, are most at risk.
Although GDL does not impose any speed restrictions on newly qualified drivers, displaying the ‘R’ plate should help deter high risk behaviour and inform other road users of the relative inexperience of the driver.
The new ‘R’ plate also aligns with the two-year probationary period in the Road Traffic (New Drivers) (NI) Order 1998 which provides for the revocation of a driving licence during the probationary period if a new driver receives an accumulation of six or more penalty points.
The first part of the new ‘R’ plate will also help inform enforcement agencies that the driver is within the passenger restriction period during their first six months post-test.
Night-time driving protections and passenger limits
New drivers under the age of 24, can have no more than one passenger in the car, aged between 14 to 20 years between 11.00 pm and 6.00 am.
This rule will apply for the first six months after passing the practical driving test.
Passenger restrictions will not apply for immediate family members.
The passenger restrictions will not apply if there is someone in the front passenger seat who is aged 21 years or older, and who has held a full driving licence for three years.
There will be some limited exemptions in place.
The Mandatory Minimum Learning Period
Learners who can prove they are entitled to Carer’s Allowance will be exempt from the six-month Mandatory Minimum Learning Period.
A carer may be the main support for a vulnerable individual who might benefit from the learner getting a driving licence quickly to help maintain or minimise any potential disruption to their care.
A carer availing of this exemption will still have to go through the Programme of Training and finish the Logbook before they are allowed to take the practical test.