New drivers up to the age of 24 would not be allowed to carry more than one teenage passenger, apart from immediate family members, if new proposals to legislation are introduced here.
Under the proposals, the period of restriction for newly-qualified drivers would be increased from one to two years with 45mph speed restriction on learner and restricted drivers being removed.
Instead, driving test candidates would be assessed while driving at particular speeds and learner drivers would be allowed to take lessons on motorways
The changes are among proposals put forward by Stormont Environment Minister Mark H Durkan which also include the drink-drive limit in the North being reduced by almost 40%.
In the first major shake-up in the law since the alcohol limit was introduced in 1968, the permitted blood alcohol limit would be reduced to 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood – down from the current British limit of 80mg with “R” drivers having a zero tolerance alcohol limit.
The proposals also include introducing a mandatory minimum learning period of 12 months while holding a provision licence with the age people could apply for a “learner’s licence” reduced from 17 to 16 and a half.
Mr Durkan said the changes would bring the North’s drink-drive laws into line with Europe, including the Republic of Ireland.
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