New NI driving rules

Graduated Driver Licensing in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland introduces GDL from 1 October 2026. It changes how new learners train and how newly qualified drivers are restricted after passing.

Official GDL guidance → Driving Tests NI

Key information

Current Northern Ireland guidance, summarised clearly.

GDL begins on 1 October 2026.

The Category B Programme of Training has 14 mandatory modules plus an optional motorway module.

The GDL account is stated to cost £17.

Current learners and the transition

If Category A or B provisional entitlement began before 1 October 2026, the learner can continue under the existing learning arrangements and take the current practical test up to and including 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027, all learners need the GDL Programme of Training and Logbook before booking the practical test.

Newly qualified drivers

The new system extends the R-plate period to two years. The first six months use a blue R on white and include additional age-related passenger and night-time restrictions; the remaining 18 months use a white R on blue.

Related Northern Ireland driving-test guides

Continue with the next part of the learner-driver journey.

Independent NI resource: PureCar is not the Driver & Vehicle Agency and does not take payment for official tests. Official bookings and rule checks should be completed through nidirect/DVA.

Official source: nidirect / Department for Infrastructure · Information checked 22 September 2026.