Big changes ahead for learner drivers as Graduated Driver Licensing confirmed for 2026

Students at Erne Integrated College in Enniskillen who will among those learning about Graduated Drivers Licensing today.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is to be introduced in Northern Ireland on 1 October 2026, marking the most significant reform of driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced.

The new scheme, unveiled as part of a Road Safety Strategy Action Plan, is aimed at tackling the disproportionate involvement of new – particularly young – drivers in fatal and serious road traffic collisions. It will bring sweeping changes to how drivers and motorcyclists learn, are tested, and transition into unsupervised driving.

Under the proposals, learner drivers will face a mandatory minimum learning period of six months before they can take their practical driving test. This will be supported by a structured programme of training, which must be completed and recorded in a logbook before a test can be attempted.

The changes come against a backdrop of continued concern over road safety. While 56 people were killed in road traffic collisions in 2025 – a reduction of 13 (19%) on the 2024 figure of 69 – young drivers remain overrepresented in the most serious collisions.

Announcing the reforms, 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, there were 164 casualties (killed or seriously injured) from collisions where a car driver aged 17-23 was responsible. This age group of drivers account for 24% of fatal or serious collisions despite holding just 8% of licences.”

The human impact behind those statistics was also highlighted by the Minister, who added:

“Behind these figures are too many shattered lives as loved ones who set off on an everyday journey suffer life changing injuries or are never coming home to their family and friends.”

Night-time restrictions and longer post-test limits

One of the most notable changes for newly qualified drivers will be a significant extension of the restriction period after passing the driving test. The current requirement to display a distinguishing plate for 12 months will increase to 24 months under GDL.

New drivers under the age of 24 will also face night-time driving restrictions for the first six months after passing their test, alongside age-related restrictions on carrying passengers at night. Immediate family members will be exempt from the passenger limits.

Motorway driving rules will also change. Learner drivers will be permitted to drive on motorways when accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor. After passing their test, drivers will be issued with a new ‘R’ plate, allowing them to continue driving on motorways and up to the posted speed limit during the restriction period.

Minister Kimmins said the reforms are designed to focus on safety, not just technical driving ability:

“The fundamental goal of learning to drive and the licensing process should be to create drivers and motorcyclists who are safe, and not just technically competent, by the time they are permitted to drive or ride unsupervised.

“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.”

She added:

“Road safety is a priority, and GDL will be a valuable tool to help me ensure everyone who uses our roads, does so safely.”

Preparing drivers, families and instructors

The Department for Infrastructure will shortly launch a public information campaign to explain the new system ahead of its introduction. Officials will also engage with approved driving instructors, the PSNI and other key stakeholders to ensure the changes are clearly understood by learners, parents and educators.

With young people and their families facing longer learning periods, new restrictions and a more structured path to full driving independence, the reforms represent a fundamental shift in how new drivers will experience their first years on the road.