Green light for Graduated Driver Licensing from October
Date published:
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) has taken a significant step towards its introduction in Northern Ireland after new Regulations were approved by the Assembly.
The Regulations approved by the Assembly on Tuesday, 23 June confirm 1 October 2026 as the date that GDL will be introduced here.
GDL is a road safety scheme targeted at reducing the disproportionate involvement of new – primarily young – drivers in fatal and serious road traffic collisions.
It will bring in new driver and motorcycle rider protections, such as the completion of a six-month mandatory minimum learning period with a logbook before a formal test can be taken. Post-test protections are also a feature, including initial passenger restrictions for new drivers.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said:
“I welcome the approval of these Regulations which will now allow me to put in place the subordinate legislation required to facilitate the introduction of GDL.
“GDL is a structured approach to learning to drive and will better prepare learners for independent driving, by helping them understand how human factors affect their driving style.
“Too many lives are lost and too many shattered by the consequences of road deaths and serious injuries here. We all have a responsibility as road users, and I take my role as the Minister responsible for road safety very seriously. Road safety is a priority for me and GDL will be a valuable lifesaving tool to help me strive to ensure everyone who uses our roads, does so safely.”
GDL is the most significant reform to driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years and will apply to all learners, regardless of age, whose provisional licence entitlement to drive a category B vehicle or motorcycle commences on or after 1 October 2026.
Anyone currently learning how to drive will have until 31 March 2027 to complete their learning and pass the practical driving test, after this date they too will be subject to GDL and its post-test requirements.
Minister Kimmins added:
“I will soon launch a bespoke media campaign that will focus on the key messages of GDL, including those key risk factors which GDL aims to address.”
Notes to editors:
- Frequently asked questions and answers about GDL are available here: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/graduated-driver-licensing-faqs
- The Road Traffic (Amendment) Act (NI) 2016 includes the provisions for GDL which, once commenced, will put in place the framework for GDL. Subordinate Legislation, to include the Statutory Rule approved by the Assembly on 23 June, is also required to facilitate its introduction.
- GDL will include:
- Introduction of a 6-month mandatory minimum learning period (this will not apply to motorcyclists).
- A Programme of Training and compulsory learner Logbook.
- Removal of the current 45mph speed restriction for learners and newly qualified drivers.
- Introduction of a passenger carrying restriction between 11pm and 6am for new drivers under 24 years of age (this will not apply to motorcyclists).
- Extension of the current 12-month restriction period to a 24 month ‘new driver/rider’ period.
- A requirement to display a distinguishing mark (a new style ‘R’ plate) on the new driver/rider's vehicle for two years after receiving a full licence.
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
- Follow the Department on social media: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.