The new rules include a six-month wait for learner drivers before taking a practical test and require completing new training modules that must be signed off by an instructor or a parent or guardian. However, many in the driving instruction industry have received no information ahead of the introduction, and the Northern Ireland Approved Instructors Council requested seminars from the Driver and Vehicle Agency to explain how the system will work in practice, but no dates have been set. Infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins acknowledges there is work to be done to ensure the time frame is met, as the council only learned of the changes when they were made public by the minister in a news announcement in January.
Northern Ireland to introduce graduated driver licensing targeting young drivers
Key Points
- Graduated driver licensing starts 1 October, targeting 17-23-year-olds due to safety concerns
- Rules include a six-month wait and new training modules requiring sign-off
- Industry concerns about lack of information and preparation time