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Newry and Armagh MLA Gareth Wilson, a member of the DAERA Committee, has welcomed clarity from the Department for Infrastructure on the new Graduated Driving Licence for young people who already hold a tractor licence.
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Wilson had questioned Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmons on whether someone with Category F tractor driving experience must still complete the required six month Minimum Mandatory Learning Period before taking their car driving test.
He welcomed the clarification provided by Adrian Borland, Head of Legislation at the Driving, Vehicle & Road Safety Policy Division within the Department for Infrastructure, who stated that "the GDL will apply to all learners, regardless of age, whose provisional license entitlement to drive a category B vehicle commences on or after 1st October 2026. Category B vehicles do not include tractors or other agricultural vehicles, which are classed as category F."
Wilson said: "This is a very topical question and one that I have been asked many times by eager young people who are keen to get on the road and undertake their tests as soon as possible." He said one persistent query had been whether holding a tractor licence removed the need to complete the Minimum Mandatory Learning Period, and he had wanted the official line from the Department on the issue.
He added: "I welcome the important clarification provided by Mr Borland of DFI and I know that it will be very useful as we approach 1st October commencement date for the Graduated Driving License changes becoming active. I wish everyone beginning their car driving learning process under the new rules well and urge everyone to exercise care when they do start driving on the roads in Northern Ireland."
