Driving Licences
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what legislative steps will be required to introduce the Graduated Driver Licensing scheme by October 2026.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood
Driver licensing is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Assembly can advise on the legislative steps required to introduce Graduated Driving Licensing in Northern Ireland.
For England, Scotland and Wales on 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of the strategy, we launched a consultation on introducing a Minimum Learning Period for learner drivers in England, Scotland and Wales.
Whilst we are not considering further restrictions on newly qualified drivers such as carrying passengers or driving at night, we are consulting on a Minimum Learning Period in England, Scotland, and Wales before learner drivers can take their test.
Once the consultation has concluded, we will publish our response in due course.
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