Students share views with Infrastructure Minister on biggest driver reform in 70 years
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
(L-R): Dr Darren Mornin Principal of Limavady High School, Cian Canning Head Boy, St Mary's High School Limavady, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, Harry Kealey, Head Boy, Limavady High School and Sean Mullan Principal of St Mary's High School.
One of the biggest changes to driver licensing in Northern Ireland in almost 70 years is set to reshape how young people learn to drive — with new rules aimed at tackling the high number of serious road collisions involving new drivers.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visited students from St Mary’s High School and Limavady High School this week at their shared campus in Limavady to discuss the upcoming Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme.
The initiative forms a key part of the Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030 and aims to reduce the disproportionate number of fatal and serious crashes involving young drivers.
Young drivers disproportionately involved in serious crashes
Statistics underline the urgency behind the reforms.
In 2024, there were 164 casualties — people killed or seriously injured — in collisions where a car driver aged 17–23 was responsible. Despite holding only 8% of driving licences, this age group accounted for 24% of fatal or serious collisions.
Minister Kimmins said the figures represent far more than statistics.
“Behind these figures are too many shattered lives as loved ones set off on an everyday journey and suffer life changing injuries or never come home to their family and friends.”
She said it was important to hear directly from young people who will be affected by the changes.
“I was delighted today to meet students from St Mary’s High School and Limavady High School to discuss the new Graduated Driver Licensing Scheme and hear their views on the scheme and how it will improve road safety for younger drivers and improve progression to attaining a full driver’s licence.”
Biggest overhaul in decades
The Graduated Driver Licensing scheme introduces a new structured pathway for learner drivers and motorcyclists, covering training, testing and the early years after passing the driving test.
According to the Minister, it represents the most significant reform to driver licensing and testing in almost seven decades.
The programme is designed to ensure learners become safe drivers rather than simply technically competent ones. A new Driver’s Programme of Training and Logbook will form part of the process, helping learners reflect on how behaviour, personality, attitude and emotions can influence driving decisions.
“Road safety is a significant priority for me and my Department, and GDL will be invaluable in helping ensure everyone who uses our roads does so safely,” the Minister said.
What the new licensing scheme will introduce
Key measures within the new GDL system will include:
A mandatory minimum six-month learning period before learner drivers can take their practical test
A structured programme of training for learner drivers
A Driver’s Programme of Training and Logbook to guide learning and reflect on driving behaviour
A revised training, testing and post-test framework for new drivers and motorcyclists
Officials from the Department for Infrastructure will soon launch a public information campaign explaining the new scheme.
They will also work with approved driving instructors, the PSNI and other stakeholders ahead of the system’s introduction.
The reforms form part of wider efforts under the Road Safety Strategy to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Northern Ireland’s roads.
At a glance
Northern Ireland is introducing a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme.
The reforms represent the biggest overhaul of driver licensing in almost 70 years.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins met students in Limavady to discuss the plans.
In 2024, 164 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes where drivers aged 17–23 were responsible.
Young drivers hold 8% of licences but are linked to 24% of fatal or serious collisions.
The new system includes a minimum six-month learner period before taking a driving test.
Learners will follow a structured training programme and logbook to build safer driving habits.
A public awareness campaign will launch ahead of the scheme’s introduction.
Officials will work with driving instructors, PSNI and other partners to implement the changes.
