New driver licensing changes will improve road safety says Councillor Cathal Boylan
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed changes to driver licensing for new drivers, aimed at improving road safety.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins made the announcement today on Tuesday 26th January 2026 which will include a revised training, testing and post-test framework for new drivers and motorcyclists.
‘Graduated Driver Licensing’ is expected to be in place by this October, with new tests beginning in April 2027.
“The new changes announced today by the Infrastructure Minister, the most significant reforms to driver licensing in decades, are welcome,” said the party’s transport spokesperson.
“These are focused on reducing the disproportionate number of new and young drivers involved in serious road traffic accidents.
“Drawing on international best practice, ‘Graduated Driver Licensing’ has been proven to reduce traffic collisions involving young people and fatalities.
“Sadly, far too many lives continue to be lost on our roads, causing immense heartache and pain for families right across our communities.
“I want to commend the minister for doing all she can to improve road safety and reduce the number of people killed in collisions.”
Kimmins Announces GDL
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced plans to introduce Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) on 1 October 2026.
GDL is a road safety scheme designed to reduce the disproportionate involvement of new – primarily young – drivers in fatal and serious road traffic collisions.
It will introduce a revised training, testing and post-test framework for new drivers and motorcyclists.
GDL has been launched as part of a new Road Safety Strategy Action Plan, which has been developed in partnership with the Emergency Services, other departments and agencies, and focuses on the latest Road Safety interventions.
In 2025, 56 people were killed in road traffic collisions, which is a reduction of 13 (19%) on the 2024 figure of 69.*
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.
“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.
“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.
“Road safety is a priority, and GDL will be a valuable tool to help me ensure everyone who uses our roads, does so safely.”
GDL will include:
* A mandatory minimum learning period of six months before a learner driver can undertake their practical driving test
* A programme of training that details the learning required to become a safe driver, and 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 distinguishing mark (plate) on the vehicle for two years after receiving a full licence
* A period of six months with nighttime driving restrictions for new drivers under 24
* Age related nighttime passenger restrictions for newly qualified drivers, with exemption for immediate family members.
* GDL permits ‘L’ drivers to drive on a motorway as long as they are accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor. Once the learner passes their test, they will be issued with the new ‘R’ plate which also allows them to drive on a motorway, where they can drive up to the posted speed limit.
The Department will shortly launch a public information campaign about GDL, and officials will liaise with approved instructors, the PSNI and a range of other stakeholders in advance of its introduction.
