Explanatory note
Northern Ireland
(This note is not part of the Regulations.)
Under Article 19A of the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (“the 1981 Order”), a person who has passed a test of competence to drive in order to obtain a driving licence must, for a period of 12 months, display a distinguishing mark on his vehicle and must not exceed 45 miles per hour while driving on any road.
The Regulations prescribe the following classes of motor vehicle to which the restrictions apply while being driven by a newly qualified driver—
a class included in category A (including sub-category A1); and
a class included in category B (including sub-categories B1 and B1 (invalid carriages)) (regulation 2).
The Regulations prescribe the form of distinguishing mark to be displayed, namely an ‘R’ plate, and the manner in which it is to be displayed (regulation 3 and Schedule).
The Regulations also provide that Article 19A of the 1981 Order does not apply to certain persons (regulation 4).