// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Northern Ireland's young drivers first in UK to get new driving licensing laws
Northern Ireland has become the first part of the UK to introduce new rules for new drivers in a bid to reduce fatal road crashes involving young people.
Graduated driver licensing (GDL), for learner and newly qualified drivers, apply to all new drivers but are particularly aimed at 17 to 23-year-olds.
Among the new rules is that learners must spend at least six months getting driving experience before they can take a practical test.
Newly qualified drivers under 24 will also face restrictions on carrying young passengers at night.
The rule changes were announced in January last year and will see the current speed limit of 45mph for restricted drivers removed.
Drivers who do not follow the restrictions could receive three penalty points or a fine of up to £1,000.
Versions of GDL exist in countries including Australia, the US and Republic of Ireland. Campaigners have called for them to be introduced across the UK.
Police say it will "save lives" but there has been a mixed reaction from young drivers, with some in favour while others, from rural backgrounds, feel frustrated.
However a driving instructor described it as a "terrific" step.
According to official figures, 17 to 23-year-old drivers were responsible for 24% of all collisions, external in Northern Ireland in 2024, despite only accounting for 8% of license holders.