Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

Liam Greaney, ADINJC General Council

Introduction

In the UK context, a national, fully implemented Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system does not yet exist.

As it currently stands, as soon as your learner passes their driving test they are allowed to drive a 3.5 tonne vehicle (or 4.25 tonne if electric) on any public road in the country and in any conditions, and with up to eight passengers.

Now like most instructors, I have a chat with my pupils about the New Drivers Act and remind them that now they’ve got rid of me, they need to make sure that they don’t require my services again.

I also talk to them about their first solo drive and the adjustment to driving independently.

Many young drivers can’t wait to pass their test so they can enjoy the freedom of the open road, often keen to drive in a way that feels fitting for someone who has just passed.

But from the 1st October 2026 a number of reforms are being introduced across the UK in what is hoped to be the biggest shake-up in road safety for years.

In Northern Ireland, alongside other measures, Graduated Driver Licensing will be introduced.

The Case for GDL

The statistics are stark: 8% of young drivers aged 17–23 are involved in 24% of road traffic collisions.

GDL aims to introduce driving in phases by applying additional restrictions, easing young drivers into higher-risk driving situations more gradually.

Alongside other measures being introduced across the UK — including logbooks, minimum learning periods (MLP), minimum hours and a structured syllabus — this approach should lead to improved road safety.

One caveat with the MLP is whether it simply becomes a recognition of a 24-week waiting period, and who is responsible for completing and validating logbooks showing that the syllabus has been covered and minimum hours completed.

That said, you have to start somewhere.

Benefits of GDL

The current UK system uses provisional (learner) licences that come with both restrictions and freedoms.

Restrictions include the minimum age of 17 and vehicle requirements that clearly indicate the vehicle is being driven by a learner. There must be a supervising driver aged over 21 with at least three years’ driving experience.

The rules that apply to supervising drivers also apply during supervision — for example, learners cannot be used as designated drivers to take someone to the pub.

Learners are only permitted to drive on motorways when accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a dual-controlled vehicle, and motorway driving is not tested during the practical test.

One of the freedoms within the current system is that there is no obligation to take lessons with a professional driving instructor. As long as a learner holds a valid provisional licence and has passed the theory test, they can book a practical driving test.

From 1 October, new requirements will include a minimum learning period, logbooks and a structured syllabus. However, none of these changes mandate the use of a professional driving instructor, nor do they require the test to be taken in a dual-controlled vehicle.

Provided the vehicle is legal and roadworthy and meets a few other requirements, it’s test ready.

Once these requirements are met — and the candidate has been resident in the UK for at least 185 days — they may take the test. On passing, they are subject to a two-year probationary period.

But what will happen on the 1st October 2026 in Northern Ireland?

According to the press release:

• A six-month night-time driving restriction will apply to drivers under the age of 24
• Age-related passenger restrictions will apply, except for family members, unless passengers meet the learner supervising driver criteria

Problems with GDL

There are, however, legitimate concerns.

Would rural areas be unfairly penalised?

Could restrictions on night-time driving create an economic barrier for young people, particularly given how early it gets dark during winter months?

Enforcement is likely to be event-driven rather than process-driven.
In the event of a serious collision, what appetite would there be to enforce rules that could substantially reduce compensation paid in a non-fault accident?

There is also the issue of the so-called “cliff-edge effect” — what happens when the restrictions are suddenly lifted?

The last point might already apply when learners pass their test anyway, are we just postponing the problem?

Takeaway

“As per the PACTS Road Safety Manifesto, to which ADINJC is a signatory, we support wider continuing discussion and debate around the potential introduction of GDL in this country.”