Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) launched in Northern Ireland on 1 October 2026. It is a new, phased approach to driver licensing, designed to improve road safety for new learners and drivers, particularly those drivers aged 17 to 23 who are disproportionately represented in fatal road traffic collisions.
GDL is designed to improve safety by giving new drivers the time, skills and experience they need before driving or riding independently.
