Date confirmed for first part of UK to introduce | Tech News
Northern Ireland is set to change into the first area of the UK to implement enhanced restrictions for newly certified drivers. The measures to set up graduated driver licensing (GDL) within the nation this October have been characterised by Stormont’s Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins because the “most significant reform to driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years”.
GDL is a highway security initiative aimed at lowering the disproportionate involvement of new and younger drivers in critical collisions. The measures embody the institution of a revised coaching, testing and post-test framework for new drivers and motorcyclists.
– A compulsory minimal studying period of six months earlier than a learner driver can undertake their sensible driving take a look at.
– A programme of coaching which should be accomplished and recorded in a logbook earlier than a learner driver can undertake their sensible driving take a look at.
– An increase within the restriction period from the present 12 months to 24 months, requiring new drivers to show a 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 beneath 24.
– Age-related night-time passenger restrictions for newly certified drivers, with exemption for quick members of the family. GDL permits ‘L’ drivers to operate automobiles on motorways supplied they’re supervised by a certified driving teacher.
After the learner efficiently completes their examination, they are going to obtain the new ‘R’ plate, which equally permits motorway driving, the place they’ll journey on the most velocity restrict. During 2025, 56 people misplaced their lives in highway site visitors accidents throughout Northern Ireland.
Ms Kimmins mentioned: “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 have been 164 casualties (killed or severely injured) from collisions the place a car driver aged 17-23 was accountable. This age group of drivers accounts for 24% of deadly or critical collisions regardless of holding simply 8% of licences.”
The minister explained the goal was to produce safer drivers.
She continued: “The introduction of GDL plans to obtain this by a structured strategy to studying to drive, together with the completion of a programme of coaching 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 security is a precedence, and GDL will probably be a beneficial device to help me guarantee everybody who makes use of our roads does so safely.”
A public security initiative is set to be unveiled shortly earlier than the measures come into impact on October 1.
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