New research shows a strong backing among drivers for expanding Northern Ireland’s upcoming driver licence restrictions to the rest of the UK. From October 2026, new measures for learner and new drivers will be introduced, including a six-month waiting period for learner drivers before their practical test and structured training modules. Once new drivers have earnt their licence, they will face new passenger restrictions and new guidelines for R plate display. All eyes are now on the rest of the UK to see if England, Wales and Scotland will follow suit. Earlier this month, the UK government unveiled its Road Safety Strategy, where it was confirmed minimum learning periods will be introduced for learner drivers.