16-year-olds to be allowed learn on motorways in bid to curb young driver deaths

The Minister also wants to introduce a 12 month mandatory learning period.

The new rules will be introduced in a little over a year depending on the progress of the legislation.

New drivers will not be allowed to carry passengers in the six months after they pass their test.

The current 12 month restricted period will be replaced by a two year ‘new driver’ period, during which young drivers will be subject to a lower drink drive limit and, under a New Drivers Order, will continue to risk revocation of their licence if they accumulate six or more penalty points.

‘R’ plates will be replaced by ‘N’ (‘New’ driver/rider) plates, which will have to be carried for two years.

Remedial courses for new drivers at risk of having their licence revoked because they have accumulated six or more penalty points will also be introduced.

Mr Attwood said: “I do intend to introduce a Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill to the Assembly, subject to Executive agreement, by April this year which will have implications for training and testing next year.”

He said the Bill will include the planned introduction of a new system of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), affecting new drivers.

This, he said, will include changes to driver training and testing and the way drivers gain experience once they pass their practical test.

“The rationale for these changes is to reduce the rate at, which new drivers, particularly young new drivers, are killed and seriously injured, and at which they kill and seriously injure other road users.

“Depending on legislative progress, operational changes will begin to be seen around April 2014.”