Drivers given 11pm to 6am ban for 6 months with | Tech News

Drivers can have to comply with an 11pm curfew for six months below new ‘R’ plate guidelines being launched in a single half of the UK.

Northern Ireland is set to change into the primary half of the UK to roll out a graduated driving licence scheme for younger drivers.

Those aged below 24 will probably be given night time time restrictions for the primary six months of having a licence, which is able to embrace being restricted to carrying just one passenger aged 14 to 20 between 11pm and 6am.

However, speedy members of the family will probably be exempt from the rule and it doesn’t apply if a driver aged 21 or over with no less than three years’ expertise is sat within the entrance passenger seat.

New drivers may also have to show an ‘R’ plate for two years from the date of passing, elevated from the present one 12 months. But learner drivers will probably be allowed onto motorways for the primary time below the new guidelines.

In the remainder of the UK, new drivers can show a ‘P’ plate to signal that they’re a newly handed driver, however that is elective, not necessary. In Northern Ireland, the ‘R’ plate equal isn’t elective.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has known as on the remainder of the UK to introduce more restrictions on younger drivers, calling them ‘a main hazard on the highway’.

However, to date the federal government has solely introduced plans to herald stricter guidelines round eye checks for older drivers.

The ABI mentioned: “The ABI has long campaigned for safer roads. We have consistently argued that unless radical reforms are made, the poor safety record of young drivers will continue. If the number of crashes involving young drivers decreases, the financial risk they pose to an insurer will decrease and insurance premiums for young drivers will follow.

“Research has proven that the presence of mates can each distract younger drivers and encourage them to drive in a more dangerous means. Young drivers carrying two younger passengers are twice as possible to be killed as these driving alone; and they’re 4 occasions more possible to die if they’ve three younger passengers.”

It added: “The present UK licensing system permits a younger individual to drive unaccompanied and with no restrictions as quickly as they go their sensible driving take a look at not like with a motorcycle the place they’ve graduated licensing. It is due to this fact unsurprising that many younger people strive to go it in as little time as attainable, many taking simply a few months to study the abilities required to go the take a look at.

“The result is that inadequate emphasis is placed on the benefits of gaining road experience and, subsequently, young drivers can have little experience of driving in different road and traffic conditions. It is unsurprising that these drivers with the least experience subsequently go on to have the highest crash rates when fully licensed.”

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins mentioned the new guidelines will take impact for Northern Ireland from October 1, 2026.

She informed the RAC: “These changes are aimed at young drivers who are sadly most likely to be killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“In 2024, there were 164 casualties (killed or seriously injured) from collisions where a car driver aged 17-23 was responsible. This age group of drivers account for 24% of fatal or serious collisions despite holding just 8% of licences.

“Behind these figures are too many shattered lives as loved ones who set off on an everyday journey suffer life changing injuries or are never coming home to their family and friends.

“The introduction of GDL [Graduated Driver Licensing] plans to achieve this through a structured approach to learning to drive, including the completion of a Programme of Training and Logbook. 

“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.

“Road safety is a priority, and GDL will be a valuable tool to help me ensure everyone who uses our roads, does so safely.”