Graduated Driver Licensing

From 1 October 2026, Northern Ireland will introduce Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) - a new, phased approach to driver licensing, designed to improve road safety for new drivers, particularly young drivers aged 17 to 23 who are disproportionately represented in fatal road traffic collisions.

It is designed to improve safety by giving new drivers the time, skills and experience they need before driving or riding independently.

Graduated Driver Licensing explained

Information on Graduated Driver Licensing, what it means for the driver and a breakdown of the Programme of Training and Logbook

Image shows a young driver sitting behind the wheel of a car

What Graduated Driver Licensing will mean for newly qualified drivers

Rules, including how long newly qualified drivers must display the new blue ‘R’ plates, night-time driving protections, passenger limits and exemptions

Information for newly qualified drivers

Get Road Ready

GDL campaign advert, Road Safety and Road to Zero campaign information

General road safety and licensing information

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Graduated Driver Licensing explained

What Graduated Driver Licensing will mean for newly qualified drivers

Get Road Ready

More on Graduated Driver Licensing

General road safety and licensing information

Help improve this page - send your feedback

What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment

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Graduated Driver Licensing

Graduated Driver Licensing explained

What Graduated Driver Licensing will mean for newly qualified drivers

Get Road Ready

More on Graduated Driver Licensing

General road safety and licensing information

Help improve this page - send your feedback

Messages

What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment