01/02/2026
Changes to Learner Driver rules from October 2026 🚗📝
The Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced big changes to the rules for learner and newly qualified drivers from 1st October 2026. As Infrastructure Committee Chair at Stormont, I’m keen to hear people’s views on the proposed changes and identify areas where more clarity is needed from DFI. 📢
The proposed changes include:
📆 A new 6-month minimum learning period before learner drivers can sit their practical test.
🚗 A 14 module training programme for driving lessons, which must be completed before taking a test.
®️A doubling of the minimum period that new drivers must display R plates- from 12 to 24 months.
🛑 The abolition of the 45 MPH speed limit for R drivers.
👨👩👧👦 New restrictions on the passengers who can be in the car with a newly qualified driver- for the first 6 months after passing their test, new drivers up to the age of 24 can only have one passenger aged between 14-20 in the car with them, between the hours of 23:00 and 06:00**
**Exceptions apply if the passenger is an immediate family member or someone aged 21+ who has had a driving licence for over 3 years.
More information can be found here: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/graduated-driver-licensing-be-introduced-2026-kimmins
I welcome any measures which will help save lives however the Minister Liz Kimmins needs to come forward with more information as these changes were announced without consultation.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced plans to introduce Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) on 1 October 2026.
