⚠️🚘NEW: Young people voice concerns about new driver rules in Northern Ireland
✅️Northern Ireland is set to become the first part of the UK to introduce extra restrictions for new drivers — in a bid to reduce road deaths involving young motorists.
🔴The Graduated Driver Licensing Scheme (GDL) has been described as the most significant reform to driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years.
🎥Chief Reporter @jamesgould23 spoke to @NIYouthAssembly Members Reuben and Emily.
They were giving their views on GDL at the @NIAInfra Committee today.
Both say the plans have the potential to save lives and make roads safer but want more detail on a number of issues.
They are also calling for a consultation process with young people.
Plans for GDL were announced by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins.
The proposals include:
• A mandatory minimum learning period of six months before a learner can take their practical test
• A structured training programme recorded in a logbook before the test can be taken
• Extending the restricted period from 12 to 24 months, requiring new drivers to display R plates for two years
• A six-month period of night-time driving restrictions for new drivers under 24
• Age-related passenger restrictions at night, with exemptions for immediate family members
Under GDL, learner drivers will be allowed on motorways if accompanied by a driving instructor.
Once they pass their test, drivers will be issued with R plates and can drive on motorways up to the speed limit.
Today, Youth Assembly Members gave evidence to the @NIAInfra on Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL).
GDL will bring a step by step approach to learning to drive, giving new drivers more time to build experience.
Key changes include: ✅ A 6-month mandatory learning period ✅ Removal of the 45mph limit for learners ✅New rules for carrying passengers at night
Tell us what you think: https://t.co/tv2NvwSaPM
#NIAssembly#NIInfrastructure
The Minister for Infrastructure has introduced new proposals to implement Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) in Northern Ireland.
Tell us what you think: https://t.co/tv2NvwSaPM
#NIAssembly#NIInfrastructure
📢 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
The Committee for Infrastructure is seeking your views on new proposals for Graduated Driver Licensing in Northern Ireland. 🚗🏍️
Have your say: https://t.co/tv2NvwSaPM
#NIAssembly
You can watch today’s Committees live on https://t.co/eu587OdtgL
AM
10am Committee for Infrastructure @NIAInfra
10am Committee for the Economy @NIAEconomy
10am Committee on Procedures
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2pm Committee for Education @NIACfEd
2pm Committee for Finance @NIAFinance
2pm Committee for Committee for The Executive Office @NIAEOCttee
🚜 The Assembly’s Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is heading to the Balmoral Show tomorrow!
🎥 Take a look at the video to find out what they’ll be up to. Visit the Assembly stand (B44-45) to meet the Committee, hear about their work, and have your say.
Deborah Erskine MLA, Chairperson of the Committee for Infrastructure was delighted to attend last night's annual Gala Dinner of the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation to engage with its members @deborah_cheryl@CIHT_NI
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins launched a public consultation on Developer Contributions for Wastewater Infrastructure today.
The consultation seeks views on whether and, if so, how the Department should introduce developer contributions to help fund necessary improvements to our wastewater infrastructure.
More: https://t.co/QFsr9umd5H
The Department’s public consultation on its Port’s policy closes on Monday 10 March 2025. The Department welcomes your views on this policy and responses can be submitted through Citizen Space.
More details: https://t.co/GpNojvdLKe
You can watch today’s Committees live on https://t.co/eu587Oe16j
AM
Infrastructure - @NIAInfra
Economy - @NIAEconomy
Committee on Standards and Privileges
Committee on Procedures
Ad Hoc Committee on the Assembly Members (Remuneration Board) Bill
PM
Education - @NIACfEd
Finance @NIAFinance
Executive Office @NIAEOCttee
A Department of Transport OZEV grant for state funded education institutions & nurseries is open to 31 Mar 2025 to cover up to 75% of the cost to buy and install Electric Vehicle charge points:
Please note the closing date for all grants is Monday 31 March 2025.
Apply here: https://t.co/oP7UQfUeR1 schools may apply through the Workplace Charging Scheme - https://t.co/ycEf1hqpTD the Electric vehicle infrastructure grant for SMEs - https://t.co/jlnEroc2bz
Further information is available at: Rollout of electric vehicle charge points to be accelerated - http://GOV.UK- https://t.co/E54ruvYvhi
Infrastructure Minister @LizK1988 has held an introductory meeting with @niassembly Chair of the Infrastructure Committee Deborah Erskine.
Minister Kimmins pledged to work in partnership with the Committee on matters relating to the infrastructure remit.