What Graduated Driver Licensing means for learner drivers
The Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) scheme will be mandatory for all provisional licence holders whose provisional entitlement begins on or after 1 October 2026.
Key protections
GDL introduces key protections, including:
• a Mandatory Minimum Learning Period (MMLP) of six months before testing
• a Programme of Training that details the learning required to become a safe driver - this must be completed and recorded in a Logbook and signed by an instructor or supervising driver
• removing the 45mph speed restriction on learner and newly qualified drivers
• a longer post-test restricted period increased from 12 months to 24 months
• night-time passenger restrictions for new drivers under 24 years old - for the first six months after passing the test, there can be no more than one passenger aged between 14 to 20 years between 11.00 pm and 6.00 am
Passenger restrictions will not apply to immediate family members.
The passenger restrictions will not apply where there is someone in the front passenger seat who is aged 21 years or over and has held a full driving licence for a minimum of three years.
These protections are intended to help learners build skills and confidence in lower risk conditions before gaining full driving privileges.
Practical driving test
Before a learner driver can take a practical driving test, they must:
- complete the six-month Mandatory Minimum Learning Period (car only)
- complete the Programme of Training
- record the details of their Programme of Training in a Logbook - all modules must be signed off by a supervising driver or Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) / Approved Motorcycle Instructor (AMI)
- successfully pass their theory test and / or Compulsory Basic Training (CBT – motorcycles only)
There are exemptions to the above.
Exemptions
The earliest you can take your practical driving test is six months after your date of first provisional entitlement for Category B.
The six-month Mandatory Minimum Learning Period (MMLP) does not apply to Category A learners.
Example
If you have a Category B first provisional entitlement of 1 October 2026, you can take your practical driving test on or after 1 April 2027 (providing you have met the conditions listed above).
Learners who can evidence their entitlement to Carers Allowance will be exempt from the six-month MMLP.
If your provisional entitlement started before 1 October 2026, you have until 31 March 2027 to book and pass your practical driving test under the current system.
If you fail your practical driving test, and retake the test on or after 1 April 2027, you will have to enrol in the GDL scheme.
Changes to the driving test
The driving test will change from 1 April 2027 to include elements linked to GDL, such as
- independent driving section extended to approximately 20 minutes
- introduction of sat nav use
- ‘show me, tell me’ questions asked / answered on the move
The purpose of the test remains to make sure candidates are safe, competent and considerate drivers.
The overall standard for passing the Practical Driving Test will remain unchanged.