Kimmins meets St Colman's students ahead of Graduated Driver Licensing launch tomorrow
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins meets students at St Colman’s College, Newry to discuss the Graduated Driver Licensing scheme ahead of its launch on Thursday, 1 October 2026
GDL is a road safety scheme designed to reduce the disproportionate involvement of new, primarily young, drivers in fatal and serious road traffic collisions. The scheme will introduce a revised training, testing and post-test framework for new drivers and motorcycle riders.
The new arrangements form part of a new Road Safety Strategy Action Plan, developed in partnership with the Emergency Services, other departments and agencies, focusing on the latest road safety interventions.
Minister Kimmins said:
“I was delighted today to meet students from St Colman’s College in Newry to discuss the new Graduated Driver Licensing Scheme and raise awareness of the changes being introduced from 1 October. It was valuable to hear their thoughts and questions about the scheme and its impact on learner and newly qualified drivers."
"GDL aims to ensure drivers are not just technically competent but also safe, through structured learning, including completion of a Driver’s Programme of Training and Logbook. This will better prepare drivers for both the driving test and post-test driving period by helping learners understand how their attitude, personality, behaviour and emotions can affect their driving style."
“This is a very important week as one of the most significant reforms to driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years comes into effect."
“It will apply to all learners, regardless of age, whose provisional licence entitlement to drive a category B car commences on or after 1 October 2026. It will also apply to learner motorcycle riders."
“Anyone currently learning how to drive will have until 31 March 2027 to complete their learning and pass the practical driving test. From 1 April 2027 all learners will be subject to GDL and its post-test requirements."
“Road safety is a significant priority for me and my Department, and GDL will play an important role in supporting road users, improving road safety and reducing the risk faced by new drivers and motorcycle riders."
Notes to editors:
- Photo Caption: Minister Liz Kimmins is pictured with St Colman’s College Principal Cormac McKinney and pupils during her visit to the school on Wednesday to discuss the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing.
- Frequently asked questions and answers about GDL are available here: Graduated Driver Licensing | nidirect
- A revised edition of The Official Highway Code for Northern Ireland is being introduced to reflect and consolidate the changes introduced through Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is available here The Highway Code | nidirect
- 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/motorcycle rider’ period.
- A requirement to display a distinguishing mark (a new style ‘R’ plate) on the new driver/motorcycle 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.
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