News · 27 January 2026
Northern Ireland to Introduce Graduated Driving Licenses in UK
Photo by Bas Peperzak on Unsplash
Northern Ireland will be the first in the UK to introduce graduated driving licenses, expected to begin in October. The new rules primarily target 17 to 23-year-olds, aiming to reduce road fatalities. These reforms include a six-month waiting period before taking the practical test, restrictions on nighttime driving, and limits on passenger numbers. In 2024, 24% of serious collisions involved drivers in this age group, despite them holding only 8% of licenses.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs