Northern Ireland new-driver tool

Which R plate rules apply to you?

Northern Ireland changes from the existing one-year amber R system to the new GDL two-year blue R system from 1 October 2026. Enter your pass date and age to see the relevant stage.

Date you passed your first car practical testUse the date on your pass certificate. Your age on the date you passedAge matters for the first-six-month passenger restriction under GDL.

If you passed before 1 October 2026

The existing restricted-driver system requires amber R plates for one year after passing. The current maximum speed for a car displaying R plates is 45 mph.

If you pass from 1 October 2026

Under GDL, R plates are displayed for two years. The first six months use a blue R on white; the remaining 18 months use a white R on blue. GDL does not impose the old 45 mph restricted-driver speed limit.

Under 24 during the first six months

The new system restricts carrying more than one passenger aged 14 to 20 between 11pm and 6am, subject to official exemptions including certain family and supervising-driver circumstances.

Two-year probation is separate

The new-driver penalty-points probation period is two years. Reaching six or more valid penalty points during that period can result in licence revocation.

Official sources: GDL for newly qualified drivers and existing restricted-driver requirements · Checked 22 September 2026.