29/09/2026
From October 1st 2026 The new Graduated Driver Licencing
(G D L ) rules for driving tuition come into place.
These are as follows.
New Learner drivers who are 17 and over with receipt of their licence from October 1st will be expected to complete 14 modules in six months before they can take their practical test.
During this time An Approved Driving Instructor ( A D I) or a supervisor will mark and upload their progress in an app or Log book.
An Optional 15th module for driving over 45 mph can be completed by the tuition of an A D I. This is for Motorway driving and Dual carriageways and also single carriageways where the National speed limit applies. They will not be tested for this.
Upon passing their test , the Newly qualified Drivers Can drive on motorways, dual carriageways and single carriageways up to the national speed limit.
They must display the two new R plates , one for six months and one for eighteen months. They are Blue on white and white on Blue.
Lerner drivers who All ready have their Licence will not be taught to drive over 45 mph or on motorways and upon passing their test before March 31st they will Display the normal orange R plate for twelve Months and be restricted to 45 mph.
However, if they cannot perform their practical test until after the 31st of March 2027, The new GDL rules will apply to them.
This could mean that GDL learner drivers will be driving under tuition up to the national speed limits on motorways dual carriageways and country roads From the 1st of October to the 31st of March. Other learner drivers that are still restricted to 45 mph, (NOT GDL Learners) will share some of these roads with GDL Learner drivers.
It also could mean that from April 2027, orange R plate drivers who have the 45 mph restriction will share the roads with Blue R plate drivers who have no speed restrictions.