Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) in Northern Ireland has cleared a major milestone after the Assembly approved new Regulations on 23 June, paving the way for the scheme to commence on 1 October 2026.

GDL is designed to tackle the disproportionately high rate of fatal and serious crashes involving new, particularly young, drivers by introducing a phased approach to learning and the early months of independent driving.

Under the package, learner car drivers will complete a mandatory minimum six-month learning period before taking a practical test, supported by a compulsory logbook and programme of training. Post-test measures will include initial passenger restrictions for new drivers. Other changes include removing the current 45mph limit for learners and newly qualified drivers, extending the "new driver/rider" period from 12 to 24 months, and requiring a new-style 'R' plate to be displayed for two years after gaining a full licence. Night-time passenger limits (11pm–6am) will apply to new drivers under 24. The six-month minimum learning period and the passenger restriction do not apply to motorcyclists. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: "I welcome the approval of these Regulations which will now allow me to put in place the subordinate legislation required to facilitate the introduction of GDL.

"GDL is a structured approach to learning to drive and will better prepare learners for independent driving, by helping them understand how human factors affect their driving style.

"Too many lives are lost and too many shattered by the consequences of road deaths and serious injuries here. We all have a responsibility as road users, and I take my role as the Minister responsible for road safety very seriously. Road safety is a priority for me and GDL will be a valuable lifesaving tool to help me strive to ensure everyone who uses our roads, does so safely."

Billed as the most significant change to driver licensing and testing in almost seven decades, GDL will apply to all learners, regardless of age, whose provisional entitlement to drive a category B vehicle or to ride a motorcycle begins on or after 1 October 2026.

Those already learning to drive will have until 31 March 2027 to complete their training and pass the practical test; after that date, they will be brought under the GDL framework and its post-test requirements.

Minister Kimmins added: "I will soon launch a bespoke media campaign that will focus on the key messages of GDL, including those key risk factors which GDL aims to address."