Graduated Driver Licensing for newly qualified drivers
Newly qualified drivers under the Graduated Driver 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
From 1 October 2026, newly qualified drivers enrolled in the GDL scheme, 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.
Transitional Period – 1st October 2026 – 31st March 2027
Transitional arrangements have been introduced to allow learner drivers who held a Category B (car) provisional licence before 1 October 2026 to complete their training and testing under the existing licensing rules.
Learners who pass their practical test before 1 April 2027 will remain subject to the current requirements, including displaying an amber R plate and observing the 45 mph speed restriction for one year.
This reflects the fact that their training and test will not have included driving at speeds above 45 mph.
Learners who do not pass their practical test by 1 April 2027 will instead be required to comply with the new Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme.
Use the summary table below for ‘R’ Plate requirements based on Provisional Licence entitlement and the date you have passed your test.
| Period | Scenario | R Plate Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Before 1 October 2026 | If you pass your driving test before 1 October 2026 | You must display the amber ‘R’ plates and remain subject to the current restrictions until your restricted period ends. |
| 2(a) From 1 October 2026 | If your provisional entitlement began before 1 October 2026 and you choose to complete GDL and take your test before 1 April 2027 | You must display the amber ‘R’ plates and remain subject to the current restrictions until your restricted period ends. |
| 2(b) From 1 October 2026 | If your provisional entitlement began before 1 October 2026 but you choose to complete GDL and take your test after 1 April 2027 | You will be subject to the GDL Scheme and after passing your test after 1 April 2027, you must display the new Blue ‘R’ on a White background for 6 months, followed by the new White ‘R’ on a Blue background until your restricted period ends. |
| 3(a) After 1 October 2026 everyone will be subject to GDL | If your provisional entitlement begins after 1 October 2026 | You will be subject to the GDL Scheme and must display the new Blue ‘R’ on a White background for 6 months, followed by the new White ‘R’ on a Blue background until your restricted period ends. |
| 3(b) Between 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Transitional Period) | If your provisional entitlement begins after 1 October 2026 and you are entitled to exemptions from MMLP | You will take the current practical test but may train at higher speeds. If you pass your test before 31 March 2027, you must display the new Blue ‘R’ on a White background for 6 months, followed by the new White ‘R’ on a Blue background until your restricted period ends. |
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.
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.