AQW 40610/22-27

Mr Peter Martin
Democratic Unionist Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 13/02/2026
Answered On Date: 02/03/2026
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether someone who receives their provisional license before the 1 October 2026 and passes their driving test after the 1 October 2026, will be subject to the restrictions under the new Graduated Driver Licensing scheme.

Answer:

Transitional arrangements for learners whose provisional licence entitlement to drive a category B vehicle commenced before 1 October 2026 are set out in the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2016. During the six-month transitional period set, in practice covering from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, such provisional licence holders will be able to complete their training and take the driving test for which they have been prepared. Should they pass a practical test before 31 March 2027, they will be required to display the current ‘amber’ R plate for one year and remain restricted to a speed limit of 45mph as is currently the case.

If those learners do not pass a practical test by the end of the transitional period, then from 1 April 2027 they will become subject to GDL requirements.