“Now we must follow the example” – Brake calls on the Government to act after Northern Ireland commits to strengthened licensing

The new system will comprise a revised training, testing and post-test framework, including a minimum learning period of six months, enhanced training aimed at making drivers safer, and minimum periods of post-test driving experience before carrying similar-aged passengers and driving at night.

Announcing the move last week (27 January), Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “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.”

In 2024, 4,740 people were killed or seriously injured from a crash involving a young driver in Britain [1]. Young drivers aged 17–24 are at greater risk than other drivers because of age and inexperience. Typical brain development means young drivers are often more likely to take risks and are less able to regulate their impulses or understand the consequences of their decisions.

Brake has long campaigned for stronger licensing in the UK to protect all road users and reduce the risk of collisions that disproportionately involve younger novice drivers.

Ross Moorlock, CEO at Brake, said: “We welcome the progress being made in Northern Ireland to strengthen the training learner drivers undergo, and give them more practical experience before being in the highest-risk situations.

“This demonstrates a real commitment to putting the safety of all road users first and protecting young, inexperienced drivers.

“What we must now see is a similar commitment in Britain. The recently published Road Safety Strategy included consultations on elements of progressive licensing, which is a step in the right direction.

“However, we again urge the Government to follow this period of consultation with firm, evidence-based action to achieve its goal of reducing road deaths by 65% by 2035.”

The GDL system in Northern Ireland forms part of its Road Safety Strategy Action Plan. The measures outlined are:

• 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 night-time driving restrictions for new drivers under 24
• Age related night-time 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.