This subject came up as now we have grandchildren learning to drive and they have family connections in NI.  The subject concerned speed limits for learners and motorways.  Gov.uk refers only to the UK (which I thought included NI) and gives the rules only that specifically relate to England, Wales and Scotland which is that all the same speed limits apply to all drivers and learners are only allowed on motorways with a qualified driving instructor in a dual control car.

Doing a Google search (Including NI Direct) came up with three different answers!

1.  Learner drivers are not allowed on motorways in NI.

2. In NI learner drivers are restricted to 45mph on all roads including motorways (sounds like a recipe for disaster).

3. Learner drivers are restricted to 45mph on all roads except motorways where it is 60mph .

Does anyone know which is correct and where it is stipulated?

Northern Ireland has special provisions from the rest of the UK in various respects.

I understand NI Direct is the Northern Ireland equivalent of Gov.UK so I would take that to be correct. I believe there are some changes under way, though, particularly in respect of the 45mph and Motorway rules, but implementation dates are not finalised.

 

2 hours ago, Magenta said:

Doing a Google search (Including NI Direct) came up with three different answers!

1.  Learner drivers are not allowed on motorways in NI.

Correct

2 hours ago, Magenta said:

2. In NI learner drivers are restricted to 45mph on all roads including motorways (sounds like a recipe for disaster).

Learner drivers are not permitted to drive on motorways

2 hours ago, Magenta said:

3. Learner drivers are restricted to 45mph on all roads except motorways where it is 60mph .

Incorrect - learner drivers are not permitted to drive on motorways... (at any speed)

In addition, in the year following a 'pass', post learner drivers must display 'R' plates on their car to show they are newly qualified and 'restricted' to a maximum speed of 45Mph. If caught speeding during this initial year, it's common for the one year duration to be extended. (I received an additional 6 months)

7 minutes ago, StephenFord said:

In addition, in the year following a 'pass', learner drivers must display 'R' plates on their car to show they are newly qualified and 'restricted' to a maximum speed of 45Mph. If caught speeding during this initial year, it's common for the one year duration to be extended. (I received an additional 6 months)

Well, every day a school day !!!

Thank you for the info Stephen. I never knew that the rules were different in NI. 👍

Thanks for all the info.  As Eric says,  NI Direct seems to be the definitive source.  I have now found the reference to motorways and learner drivers under 'Motorways - rule 253'.  It is tucked away under 'Prohibited Vehicles - Holders of provisional motorcycle or car licences'.  No wonder I coudn't find it.

I'm sure the stated learner driver speed limit rules on other roads are also there somewhere.

44 minutes ago, Magenta said:

...,  NI Direct seems to be the definitive source. ...

If you find anything that differs from what I have stated above, let me know. It's a while since I took my test LOL 🤣

Found various relevant sections on NI Direct(not easy as it's a bit scattered)  which pretty well confirms what has been said. This is all for my own curiosity,as I past my motorcycle and car tests in the early 1960's. Here's extracts I've found:

NI Direct* – Rules for learner drivers

Motorways-Prohibited vehicles.

Motorways must not be used by pedestrians, holders of provisional motorcycle or car licences, riders of motorcycles under 50cc, cyclists, horse riders, certain slow-moving vehicles and those carrying oversized loads (except by special permission), agricultural vehicles, and powered wheelchairs/powered mobility scooters (see Rules 34–46 incl.

General - Rules for learner drivers and riders

Safe driving habits.

Learning safe driving habits from the start will improve your safety and that of other road users. If you want to practise your driving, you must have a qualified driver in the car with you.

As a learner driver, the car you learn to drive in must display ‘L’ plates.  Put an ‘L’ plate on the front and back of your vehicle so they can be easily seen. These plates should be removed when the vehicle is not being driven by a learner, as the maximum speed limit for a vehicle displaying 'L' plates is 45mph. This is whether the driver is a learner or not (with the exception of goods vehicles, buses and coaches on a motorway).

Restricted drivers.

After passing the driving test for a motor car or a motorcycle, you must display amber R plates for a period of one year from the date of passing the test.

The plates must conform to legal specifications and must be clearly visible to others from in front of the vehicle and from behind. Plates should be removed or covered when not being driven by a restricted driver.

The maximum permitted speed for a motor car or category A1 motorcycle displaying R plates is 45 mph (72km/h), whether or not the vehicle is being driven by a restricted driver. The speed restriction does not apply to A2 or A motorcycles, although R plates must be displayed for the first year after passing the test.

Laws RTO 1981 Art 19A & MV(PR)R

*Equivalent of Gov.uk in England, Wales and Scotland.