Mandatory learning period and passenger restrictions on the way for province's young motorists as Graduated Driver Licensing approved
New regulations aimed at reducing the disproportionate number of young drivers involved in fatal and serious traffic collisions in Northern Ireland have received the green light.
The Regulations approved by the Assembly on Tuesday (June 23), confirm October 1 as the date Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) will be introduced.
GDL will bring in new driver and motorcycle rider protections, such as the completion of a six-month mandatory minimum learning period with a logbook before a formal test can be taken. Post-test protections included initial passenger restrictions for new drivers.
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.”
GDL will include:
- Introduction of a six-month mandatory minimum learning period (this will not apply to motorcyclists);
- A programme of training and compulsory learner logbook;
- Removal of the current 45mph speed restriction for learners and newly qualified drivers;
- Introduction of a passenger carrying restriction between 11pm and 6am for new drivers under 24 years of age (this will not apply to motorcyclists);
- Extension of the current 12-month restriction period to a 24 month ‘new driver/rider’ period;
- A requirement to display a distinguishing mark (a new style ‘R’ plate) on the new driver/rider's vehicle for two years after receiving a full licence.
GDL is seen as the most significant reform to driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years and will apply to all learners, regardless of age, whose provisional licence entitlement to drive a category B vehicle or motorcycle commences on or after October 1.
Anyone currently learning how to drive will have until March 31, 2027 to complete their learning and pass the practical driving test, after this date they too will be subject to GDL 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.”