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Graduated Driver Licensing is to be introduced on 1 October 2026 and the initiative has been welcomed by local political representatives.
It marks the most significant reform to driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years, aimed at reducing the disproportionate involvement of young drivers in fatal and serious road traffic collisions.
The road safety scheme announced by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins will introduce a revised training, testing and post-test framework for new drivers and motorcyclists and has been launched as part of a new Road Safety Strategy Action Plan, developed in partnership with the Emergency Services, other departments and agencies.
Minister Kimmins said: "These changes are aimed at young drivers who are sadly most likely to be killed or seriously injured on our roads. In 2024, there were 164 casualties (killed or seriously injured) from collisions where a car driver aged 17-23 was responsible. This age group of drivers account for 24% of fatal or serious collisions despite holding just 8% of licences. Behind these figures are too many shattered lives as loved ones who set off on an everyday journey suffer life changing injuries or are never coming home to their family and friends."
The minister said the fundamental goal of learning to drive and the licensing process should be to create drivers and motorcyclists who are safe, and not just technically competent, by the time they are permitted to drive or ride unsupervised. She added: "The introduction of GDL plans to achieve this through a structured approach to learning to drive, including the completion of a Programme of Training and Logbook. This will better prepare drivers for both the driving test and initial post-test driving period by helping learners understand how human factors such as their attitude, personality, behaviour and feelings affect their driving style. Road safety is a priority, and GDL will be a valuable tool to help me ensure everyone who uses our roads, does so safely."
Graduated Driver Licensing will include a mandatory minimum learning period of six months before a learner driver can undertake their practical driving test, alongside a programme of training that details the learning required to become a safe driver, which must be completed and recorded in a logbook before taking the practical test. The restriction period will increase from the current 12 months to 24 months, requiring new drivers to display a distinguishing mark on the vehicle for two years after receiving a full licence. There will be a period of six months with nighttime driving restrictions for new drivers under 24, as well as age related nighttime passenger restrictions for newly qualified drivers, with exemption for immediate family members.
GDL permits 'L' drivers to drive on a motorway as long as they are accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor. Once the learner passes their test, they will be issued with the new 'R' plate which also allows them to drive on a motorway, where they can drive up to the posted speed limit.
In 2025, 56 people were killed in road traffic collisions, which is a reduction of 13 (19%) on the 2024 figure of 69. The department will shortly launch a public information campaign about GDL, and officials will liaise with approved instructors, the PSNI and a range of other stakeholders in advance of its introduction.
Overdue
Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said the measures which were passed by party colleague Mark H Durkan in 2016 were long overdue.
“We have seen far too many lives lost on our roads, with a worrying rise in fatalities in recent years, particularly involving young drivers. Nobody wants to demonise young people, but it is right that the law is changing to improve training for new drivers and reduce the risk of serious crashes.
“The SDLP fought in government to strengthen this legislation and it was our then Minister Mark H Durkan MLA who brought it forward. It is deeply disappointing that it has taken almost a decade to be implemented, another consequence of the collapse and dysfunction that has plagued Stormont. If it had been introduced sooner, injuries could have been prevented and lives saved.
“Graduated Driver Licensing will not solve every problem on our roads, but it is a sensible, evidence-based intervention. It must now be backed by effective enforcement, public awareness campaigns and continued investment in road safety.
“The SDLP will continue to push for a comprehensive approach that tackles dangerous driving, improves infrastructure and stops families having to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one.”
International Best Practice
Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan has also welcomed the changes saying the measures are focused on reducing the disproportionate number of new and young drivers involved in serious road traffic accidents.
Mr Boylan said “Drawing on international best practice, ‘Graduated Driver Licensing’ has been proven to reduce traffic collisions involving young people and fatalities.
“Sadly, far too many lives continue to be lost on our roads, causing immense heartache and pain for families right across our communities.
“I want to commend the minister for doing all she can to improve road safety and reduce the number of people killed in collisions.”
