New motorists will, from today, be forced to display an ‘R’ plate for two years after passing their driving test. These drivers must also adhere to a host of restrictions as part of the UK’s first graduated drivers licensing (GDL) scheme.

 

In a bid to reduce fatal accidents for young drivers, Northern Ireland now requires all new drivers complete a mandatory six-month learning period before passing their practical test – this forms part of a syllabus which includes night driving and, optionally, motorways. After this, newly-qualified motorists under the age of 24 also face additional restrictions.