Northern Ireland’s GDL breakthrough - the lessons for the UK
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
The decision to introduce Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) in Northern Ireland, due to come into force in October 2026, marks a significant step forward in protecting young and novice drivers.
The landmark policy was explored during a webinar hosted by Project EDWARD on Wednesday 4 February, attended by more than 300 people.
Co-hosted by Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham and Philip Seccombe, Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire, the event brought together leading voices from across road safety, policing and research.
Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson, Head of Roads Policing at the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Pat Delaney, Director of Operations and the Driver and Vehicle Agency in Northern Ireland and Davy Jackson from RoadSafe NI provided frontline insight into how GDL will operate in practice.
They were joined by Dr Shaun Helman from TRL, Dr Elizabeth Box from the RAC Foundation, Rebecca Morris from Protect Young Drivers, James Evans from FirstCar and Dan Ward from the Acorn Group, who reflected on the significance of the announcement and what it means for safeguarding young drivers in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Throughout the discussion, speakers shared how GDL was achieved - and why its introduction marks a pivotal moment for road safety across the UK.
What it takes to get GDL over the line
Pat Delaney from Northern Ireland’s Driver and Vehicle Agency highlighted that securing GDL required long-term determination and political leadership. “Perseverance… in the face of political opposition,” he explained. Crucially, he said the narrative surrounding GDL must change.
“You have to turn ‘restriction’ on its head. It’s not - this is about saving lives.” - Pat Delaney, DVA
He also stressed that GDL delivers benefits far beyond road safety alone. “There are health, societal and economic factors involved… all of them must be considered in the round.”
Pat emphasised the importance of building political and public confidence through evidence and transparency.
“Good communication - explaining what you want to do, why, and what your expected outcomes are - and having the empirical evidence to support that.”
The measures that make GDL effective
Pat was also clear that certain elements are critical if GDL is to deliver meaningful casualty reduction. He said:
“The non-negotiable is the nighttime passenger restrictions. If you don’t have the nighttime passenger restrictions… you have diluted GDL to such an extent that it is not GDL.”
Safeguarding young drivers through education and enforcement
Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson from the Police Service of Northern Ireland reinforced that GDL is a safeguarding measure, not a punitive one.
“We’re not in the business of criminalising young people… but we will be unapologetic when it comes to people who are breaking the law.”
He explained that enforcement will follow a balanced and proportionate approach.
“A very graduated response… starts off with education… then advice.”
However, Sam warned that maintaining the status quo is not an option.
“We can’t keep doing what we’re doing because our young people and our young drivers are still losing their lives. So we’ve got to try something different.” - Chief Supt Sam Donaldson, PSNI
Public and community support
RoadSafe NI Chair Davy Jackson highlighted the strong backing GDL has received from communities, instructors and families across Northern Ireland.
“We were absolutely thrilled to hear it because it’s something we’ve been pushing for for a long time,” he said.
Importantly, he said public resistance has been minimal.
“We’ve spoken to driving instructors, young people and parents… most people are for it because it’s a lifesaver.” - Davy Jackson, RoadSafe NI
A blueprint for future road safety policy
Northern Ireland’s GDL journey demonstrates that strong evidence, collaboration and sustained advocacy can deliver meaningful change. It also shows that reframing road safety policies around safeguarding - rather than restriction - is essential to gaining public and political support.
