Northern Ireland is set to become the first region of the UK to implement enhanced restrictions for newly qualified drivers. The measures to establish graduated driver licensing (GDL) in the country this October have been characterised by Stormont's Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins as the "most significant reform to driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years".
GDL is a road safety initiative aimed at reducing the disproportionate involvement of new and young drivers in serious collisions. The measures include the establishment of a revised training, testing and post-test framework for new drivers and motorcyclists.
The proposals include:
– A mandatory minimum learning period of six months before a learner driver can undertake their practical driving test.
– A programme of training which must be completed and recorded in a logbook before a learner driver can undertake their practical driving test.
– An increase in the restriction period from the current 12 months to 24 months, requiring new drivers to display a plate on the vehicle for two years after receiving a full licence.
– A period of six months with night-time driving restrictions for new drivers under 24.
– Age-related night-time passenger restrictions for newly qualified drivers, with exemption for immediate family members. GDL allows 'L' drivers to operate vehicles on motorways provided they are supervised by a qualified driving instructor.
After the learner successfully completes their examination, they will receive the new 'R' plate, which similarly permits motorway driving, where they can travel at the maximum speed limit. During 2025, 56 individuals lost their lives in road traffic accidents across Northern Ireland.
Ms Kimmins said: "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, there were 164 casualties (killed or seriously injured) from collisions where a car driver aged 17-23 was responsible. This age group of drivers accounts for 24% of fatal or serious collisions despite holding just 8% of licences."
The minister explained the goal was to produce safer drivers.
She continued: "The introduction of GDL plans to achieve this through a structured approach to learning to drive, including the completion of a programme of training and logbook.
"This will better prepare drivers for both the driving test and initial post-test driving period by helping learners understand how human factors such as their attitude, personality, behaviour and feelings affect their driving style.
"Road safety is a priority, and GDL will be a valuable tool to help me ensure everyone who uses our roads does so safely."
A public safety initiative is set to be unveiled shortly before the measures come into effect on October 1.