Northern Ireland has introduced new graduated driver licensing (GDL) rules aimed at reducing road fatalities among young drivers. These regulations require learners to gain at least six months of experience before taking their practical test and impose restrictions on newly qualified drivers under 24 regarding carrying young passengers at night.
The changes follow a concerning trend of road incidents involving young drivers, with a significant percentage deemed at fault. The first practical tests under the new rules are scheduled for April 2027, reflecting a broader push for enhanced road safety measures.