Rules coming into force next month will see people having to display an 'N' plate on their cars to show they are novice drivers.

They will have to bear the title for two years, in a move the government says is an important road safety measure.

Novice drivers will face a range of restrictions on their activities similar to their learner counterparts.

Both groups risk losing their licence for six months if they clock up just seven penalty points, compared to the limit of 12 for fully qualified drivers.

And if they are caught driving unaccompanied, or don't display their 'N' or 'L' plates, they could be hit with a €60 fine.

The new law comes into force on the first of August, and will only apply to those who get their first full licence after that date.

Transport minister Leo Varadkar says the novice category will help improve driver behaviour among the inexperienced.

The director of consumer affairs with The AA, Conor Faughnan, told Newstalk Lunchtime he is not sure the plates will really change anything.

While David Fay of the Irish School of Motoring told Newstalk Breakfast his group feels the system is flawed.