Minister Liz Kimmins Announces Graduated Driver Licensing Scheme to Launch in October 2026

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) will be introduced on 1 October 2026, marking a major step forward in improving road safety across Northern Ireland.

The scheme aims to reduce the high number of serious and fatal accidents involving new and younger drivers.

Under the new system, a restructured framework for driver and motorcyclist training, testing, and post-test requirements will be introduced. The initiative forms part of the government’s Road Safety Strategy Action Plan, developed in partnership with emergency services, government departments, and other agencies. The plan integrates the latest proven approaches to road safety and collision prevention.

Figures from 2025 show that 56 people lost their lives in road crashes — representing a 19% decrease (13 fewer deaths) compared with 2024, when 69 deaths were recorded.

Announcing the policy, Minister Kimmins said:

“Today I am announcing the most significant reform to driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years. These changes are aimed at young drivers who are sadly most likely to be killed or seriously injured on our roads.“In 2024, 164 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions involving a car driver aged 17–23. This age group represents just 8% of licence holders, but accounts for 24% of fatal or serious crashes.“Behind each statistic are families and communities left devastated by tragedy. We must do more to ensure that young drivers – and all new drivers – are truly prepared for the responsibilities that come with being on the road.”

Minister Kimmins explained that the purpose of GDL is to ensure new drivers are not only technically capable, but also understand how personal factors such as behaviour, emotions, and attitudes influence driving safety. Learners will complete an official Programme of Training and Logbook designed to encourage safer driving habits and greater awareness before and after qualifying.

“Road safety is a priority, and GDL will be a valuable tool in ensuring everyone who uses our roads does so safely,” Kimmins added.

Key features of the new GDL system will include:

• A minimum learning period of six months before a practical driving test can be taken.

• A mandatory Programme of Training, recorded in a logbook, which must be completed before testing.

• An extension of the restricted driver period from 12 months to 24 months, requiring new drivers to display a special identifying ‘plate’ for two years after receiving their full licence.

• A six-month restriction on night-time driving for drivers under 24, to reduce collision risks during high-risk hours.

• Night-time passenger restrictions for newly qualified drivers, although immediate family members will be exempt.

• Permission for learner (‘L’) drivers to use motorways, provided they are accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor.

• Newly qualified drivers will display an ‘R’ plate, which authorizes motorway driving and allows them to travel up to the posted speed limit.

These measures represent the most substantial update to driver education and testing in decades, aiming to build a new generation of safer, more responsible road users.