N-day for drivers as RSA unveils novice plates

Tomorrow is N-day for the country’s learner drivers as the Road Safety Authority unveils sweeping changes to the motoring licence system.

Billed as a safety measure, newly qualified drivers must display N-plates — N for novice — on their vehicles. The plates must remain on view for two years after passing the test.

Newly licensed drivers will also face stiffer penalties than other motorists. N-plate drivers will be banned for six months if they accumulate seven penalty points, rather than the 12 for fully qualified drivers.