Driving licence changes launching in months will see some motorists banned from carrying passengers

New driving licence restrictions set to launch within months are being backed by a new advertising campaign to make motorists aware of the changes.

Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the "biggest change" to licensing and testing rules in 70 years.

From October 1, 2026, a Graduated Driving Licence scheme will launch in a bid to improve road safety across the country.

This will see young motorists face additional restrictions when they get their licence, as young people are disproportionately involved in fatal road traffic collisions.

Learner drivers will face a Mandatory Minimum Learning Period (MMLP) of six months before they are allowed to take a test.

They will also need to complete a Programme of Training that outlines how to become a safe driver, which must be completed and co-signed by an instructor or supervising driver.

The DfI said it would remove the 45mph speed restriction on learners and newly qualified drivers, while also introducing a longer post-test restricted period, which will rise to 24 months.

One of the biggest changes as part of the GDL format will be new night-time passenger restrictions for new drivers under the age of 24.

For the first six months after passing the test, there can be no more than one passenger aged between 13 and 20 years between 11pm and 6am.

This will not apply to immediate family members, nor will it apply to a passenger over 21 sitting in the front seat who has had their licence for a minimum of three years.

Measures have been backed by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, who has been one of the leading voices behind the new licensing rules.

The new measures are being accompanied by a multi-media campaign with "Road Ready" signage on TV, digital, bus and on-street advertising.

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Minister Kimmins said: "From October 1 this year, I am introducing the most significant change to driver licensing and testing since the 1950s, aimed at young drivers who are sadly most likely to be killed or seriously injured on our roads.

"The advertising campaign has been developed to highlight the changes coming in from October 1, 2026, to the way people learn to drive.

"It raises awareness of the change and signposts the public to nidirect, where they can get more detailed information about the changes."

Data from the DfI states that there were 164 people killed or seriously injured in collisions where a driver aged between 17 and 23 was responsible.

Despite accounting for 24 per cent of fatal or serious collisions, drivers in this age group make up just eight per cent of licence holders.

Ms Kimmins, the Sinn Féin MLA for Newry and Armagh, said road safety was "of the utmost importance" to her, adding that she would do all she can to make roads safer.

She added: "The fundamental goal of learning to drive and the licensing process is to create drivers and motorcyclists who are safe, and not just technically competent.

"This will better prepare drivers for both the driving test and initial post-test driving period by helping learners understand how human factors such as their attitude, personality, behaviour and feelings affect their driving style."