Drivers are being warned of new licence restrictions coming into effect this month in Northern Ireland, introducing a ban on young people carrying certain passengers at night and changes to when learners can take their test. The measures are aimed at reducing fatal road crashes involving young drivers.
Young drivers behind nearly a quarter of collisions
According to official figures, drivers aged between 17 and 23 were responsible for almost a quarter of all collisions in Northern Ireland in 2024, despite accounting for only 8 per cent of licence holders. In total, 251 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions involving a young driver that year, with the young driver at fault in 65 per cent of cases.
New rules for learners and young passengers
Learner drivers must now spend at least six months gaining driving experience before taking a practical test. Those under 24 also face restrictions on carrying young passengers at night under the new rules. Drivers who do not follow the restrictions could receive three penalty points or a fine of up to £1,000.
Government proposals for minimum learning period
The rule changes were announced in January 2026 as part of the Road Safety Strategy, developed under Sir Keir Starmer's former government before Andy Burnham took over as Prime Minister. Drivers born after 2002 may face stricter measures, with the new government weighing up proposals to implement a minimum learning period for learner drivers.
Under the plans, learners may have to wait six months between their theory test and practical driving test, a measure that would affect the majority of learner drivers in the UK, who are younger people. The proposals also include plans for drivers in their 70s to have their vision checked every three years to keep driving on UK roads. This policy was first discussed in August 2025 during Sir Keir Starmer's time in Number 10 and went to consultation earlier this year between January and May.
