Minister Kimmins has met with students from St Mary's High School
and Limavady High School at their new shared campus in Limavady
to discuss the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
scheme.
GDL is a road safety scheme designed to reduce the
disproportionate involvement of new – primarily young – drivers
in fatal and serious road traffic collisions and will introduce a
revised training, testing and post-test framework for new drivers
and motorcyclists. It has been launched as part of a new Road
Safety Strategy Action Plan, developed in partnership with the
Emergency Services, other departments and agencies, focusing on
the latest road safety interventions.
Minister Kimmins said: “I was delighted today to meet
students from St Mary's High School and Limavady High School to
discuss the new Graduated Driver Licensing Scheme and hear their
views on the scheme and how it will improve road safety for
younger drivers and improve progression to attaining a full
driver's licence.
“This is the most significant reform to driver licensing and
testing in almost 70 years, with these changes aimed at young
drivers who are sadly most likely to be killed or seriously
injured on our roads.
“In 2024, there were 164 casualties (killed or seriously injured)
from collisions where a car driver aged 17-23 was responsible
with this age group of drivers accounting for 24% of fatal or
serious collisions despite holding only 8% of licences.
“Behind these figures are too many shattered lives as loved ones
set off on an everyday journey and suffer life changing injuries
or never come home to their family and friends.
GDL aims to ensure drivers are not just technically competent but
also safe, through structured learning, including completion of a
Driver's Programme of Training and Logbook. This will better
prepare drivers for both the driving test and post-test driving
period by helping learners understand how their attitude,
personality, behaviour and feelings can affect their driving
style.
“Road safety is a significant priority for me and my Department,
and GDL will be invaluable in helping ensure everyone who uses
our roads, does so safely.”
The Department will shortly launch a public information
campaign about GDL, and officials will liaise with approved
instructors, the PSNI and a range of other stakeholders in
advance of its introduction.
Notes to editors:
- The GDL will include: A mandatory minimum learning period of
six months before a learner driver can undertake their practical
driving test and a programme of training that details the
learning required to become a safe driver amongst other measures
- full details are available here: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/graduated-driver-licensing-faqs
- The Road Safety Action Plan can be viewed here
: Road Safety Strategy for
Northern Ireland to 2030 | Department for Infrastructure
