An advertising push highlighting the biggest overhaul of driver licensing and testing in seven decades has been launched by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is designed to cut the disproportionate number of new — chiefly young — motorists involved in serious and fatal road collisions.

The campaign will run across TV, digital platforms, buses and on-street sites to get new drivers 'Road Ready' ahead of the changes taking effect from 1 October 2026.

Announcing the campaign, Minister Kimmins said: "From 1 October this year, I am introducing the most significant change to driver licensing and testing since the 1950s aimed at young drivers who are sadly most likely to be killed or seriously injured on our roads. The advertising campaign has been developed to highlight the changes coming in from 1 October 2026 to the way people learn to drive. It raises awareness of the change and sign-posts the public to nidirect where they can get more detailed information about the changes. The campaign will air from 17 August 2026. A 'Road Ready' brand has been developed as part of the campaign. "The fundamental goal of learning to drive and the licensing process is to create drivers and motorcyclists who are safe, and not just technically competent. 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 of the utmost importance to me. I will continue to do all that I can to make our roads safer. Sadly 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."

Link to the 'Road Ready' www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPRL4cGq0Os&feature=youtu.be

From 1 October 2026, GDL will introduce a minimum learning period of six months before a learner can sit the practical test. Learners must also complete a programme of training and record their progress in a logbook before being permitted to take the test.

Post-test, the restriction period will double from 12 to 24 months, during which newly qualified drivers must display a distinguishing plate for two years after obtaining a full licence. There will be a six-month night-time driving restriction for new drivers under the age of 24, along with age-related night-time passenger restrictions for newly qualified drivers, with exemptions for immediate family members.

Under the reforms, 'L' drivers will be allowed on motorways when accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor. After passing their test, they will display a new 'R' plate and may drive on motorways up to the posted speed limit.

A revised Highway Code will also be introduced to consolidate the new rules for learning to drive and for newly qualified drivers.