Driving Instructors Association CEO Carly Brookfield is this week giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Assembly on proposals to introduce a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme.
The session forms part of DIA’s ongoing work to ensure the professional driver training sector is represented in key discussions around policy, regulation and licensing reform.
Northern Ireland is set to become the first part of the UK to introduce a GDL scheme, with implementation planned for 1 October 2026. Changes to the practical driving test will follow on 1 April 2027, aligning with the introduction of a mandatory minimum learning period.
The proposals were announced by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins on 27 January 2026 and have been described as the most significant reform to driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years. The scheme sits at the heart of Northern Ireland’s Road Safety Strategy Action Plan to 2030.
In her evidence, Carly Brookfield is expected to outline DIA’s position on how a GDL framework should be structured, including the case for a staged, modular approach to learning both before and after the test. This includes programmes such as the Milestones initiative, as well as reinforcing the central role of Approved Driving Instructors in delivering safe, progressive driver development.
3 thoughts on “DIA CEO gives evidence to Northern Ireland Assembly on GDL plans”
As is the case with all the recent changes
There is no substance for anyone to study to be able to form an opinion
It seems the DVSA decides on a headline – and then staggers towards how to implement it.
I really do support the initiative to adjust the criteria for gaining a full driving Licence but have serious reservations about some aspect that may be considered.
In terms of a mandatary learning period, the main recognition that I would observe is that individuals do have a considerable variation and receptive ability in the learning process. A learner can be very responsive to a practical learning situation and could be a competent driver within a month depending on the quality of professional Instruction as well as the level and amount of extra practice and support they are given ‘at home’. Others may take forever to grasp the coordination skills, knowledge, decision making ability and confidence to be a safe driver. The background to the individual learner drivers is vital.
My support would be given totally to regulations that may be considered after passing the Driving Test. Young new drivers should be restricted to certain regulations. For example compulsory ‘Black Box’ to monitor their driving for a stipulated period. Also for clarification and regulation of when, who and how many passengers that young drivers would be legally allowed to carry. There are alarming and increasing number examples of very serious and fatal accidents caused with cars full of passengers in their peer group. It should be clear and obvious that the attention and concentration of the driver can be easily distracted and compromised and should be prevented by sensible regulation
GDL is ok if it’s implemented with thought to the structure of Northern Ireland occupancy (full on rural community) and how this will impact the farming community Familes which is near half the population. (Driving since they wear old enough to probably walk)
Also it’s about road and infrastructure which is decades behind the rest of the UK we have next to no motorways and no dual carriageways.
There are well over 50 % (probably closer to 90%) over 20 miles away from a motorway so it can’t form part of the learning criteria like it does in the rest of the UK.
There is so much that needs to be different in Northern Ireland compared to rest of UK and this needs to be taken into account.