Infrastructure Minister meets Limavady students to discuss the Graduated Driver Licensing scheme

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.

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“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.