A new Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme has come into effect in Northern Ireland today (1 October), marking what the Department for Infrastructure describes as the most significant reform to driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years.
The scheme introduces a revised training, testing and post-test framework for new drivers and motorcycle riders, with the aim of reducing the disproportionate involvement of young and novice road users in fatal and serious collisions.
The launch follows a public information campaign which began in August, with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visiting St Colman’s College in Newry yesterday (30 September) to discuss the changes with students.
Minister Kimmins said the new system would focus on developing drivers who are “not just technically competent but also safe”.
GDL introduces a more structured approach to learning, including a six-month mandatory minimum learning period, a Programme of Training and Logbook, and a theory test before learners can progress to the practical test. The training is intended to help learners understand how factors including attitude, personality, behaviour and emotions can influence their driving.
The scheme also introduces additional protections after passing the test. New drivers will have a two-year restricted period, during which they must display an R plate.
For the first six months, drivers aged under 24 will also face restrictions on carrying passengers aged 14–20 between 23:00 and 06:00. There are exemptions, including for immediate family members and where an experienced driver is accompanying the new driver in the front passenger seat. The passenger restrictions do not apply to motorcycle riders.
The Department says the measures are intended to give new drivers greater experience and skills gradually, particularly in lower-risk conditions.
The scale of the road safety challenge is reflected in Department for Infrastructure figures. In 2024, there were 164 people killed or seriously injured in collisions where a car driver aged 17–23 was responsible. Drivers in this age group accounted for 24% of fatal or serious collisions despite holding just 8% of licences. There were also 12 killed or seriously injured casualties from collisions involving a motorcycle rider aged 17–23.
The Department cites Transport Research Laboratory research indicating that graduated licensing schemes can reduce collisions involving young drivers by between 5% and 40%, depending on the strength of the measures implemented.
The new arrangements apply to anyone whose Category B provisional licence entitlement begins on or after 1 October 2026, as well as learner motorcycle riders.
There is a transitional period for existing learners. Anyone whose provisional licence entitlement began before 1 October 2026 can continue under the existing arrangements and take the current practical test up to and including 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027, all learners will be required to have completed the GDL Programme of Training and Logbook before booking their practical test.
Minister Kimmins said: “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.”
The GDL measures form part of a new Road Safety Strategy Action Plan, developed with the emergency services, other government departments and agencies and focused on the latest road safety interventions.
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