Committee for Infrastructure Seeks Public Views on New Graduated Driver Licensing Proposals

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Infrastructure is inviting the public to share their views on proposed new rules that will change how people learn to drive and how new drivers navigate their first years on the road.

The Minister for Infrastructure has recently announced proposals to introduce a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. While the framework for these changes was established in 2016, the Department is now seeking to implement specific regulations—known as Statutory Rules—to make GDL a reality in Northern Ireland.

The key changes proposed include:

• A Six-Month Learning Period: A mandatory minimum learning period of six months for car drivers before they can take their practical test.
• New Training Programme: Learners will need to complete a structured programme of training, recorded in a logbook, before sitting their test.
• Lifting the 45mph Limit: The current 45mph speed restriction for learners and new drivers would be removed, allowing them to practice at posted speed limits and on motorways.
• Two-Year ‘New Driver’ Period: The current 12-month period for displaying ‘R’ plates would be extended to 24 months.
• Passenger Restrictions: New drivers aged 17-23 would be restricted from carrying more than one passenger aged 14-20 between 11pm and 6am for the first six months (with some exceptions).

Speaking on the launch of the call for views, Peter Martin MLA, Chairperson of the Committee for Infrastructure, said:

"The introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing represents a significant shift in how we train and license our drivers.

“While the Assembly previously agreed to the broad framework in 2016, it has been 10 years since the public was last consulted on the specifics of how these rules will work in practice.

"As a Committee, we want to ensure that these proposed regulations are fit for purpose in 2026, and are particularly keen to hear from new drivers, young people, and driving instructors on the proposed changes."

The Committee is keen to hear whether the public feels these measures are the right approach to road safety.

You can submit your views by:

• Completing our online survey: Graduated Driver Licensing - Northern Ireland Assembly - Citizen Space
• Emailing the Committee: Committee.Infrastructure@niassembly.gov.uk
• Writing to us: Committee for Infrastructure, Room 427, Parliament Buildings, Ballymiscaw, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3XX.

The closing date for submissions is 10 March 2026.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

• The GDL system will apply to Category B (cars/light goods vehicles) and Category A (motorcycles).
• The proposals consist of one Commencement Order and three separate Statutory Rules.
• The primary legislation, the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, was previously scrutinised by the Assembly and its Environment Committee.