DAERA committee member Gareth Wilson welcomes clarity on tractor driving experience for new GDL
Clarity from the Department of Infrastructure on the new Graduated Driving License for young people who already hold a tractor license, has been welcomes by DUP MLA Gareth Wilson.
The member of the DAERA committee questioned the Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmons on whether someone with Category F tractor driving experience has to fulfil the required six month Minimum Mandatory Learning Period before taking their car driving test.
Mr Wilson welcomed the clarification provided by Adrian Borland Head of Legislation at the Driving, Vehicle, & Road Safety Policy Division within DFI who stated, ‘the GDL will apply to all learners, regardless of age, whose provisional license entitlement to drive a category B vehicle commences on or after 1st October 2026.
Category B vehicles do not include tractors or other agricultural vehicles, which are classed as category F’.
Mr Wilson said, “This is a very topical question and one that I have been asked many times by eager young people who are keen to get on the road and undertake their tests as soon as possible.
"One persistent query was the position that holding the tractor license removed the need to complete the Minimum Mandatory Learning Period and I was keen to have the official line from the Department on this exact issue.”
He added, “I welcome the important clarification provided by Mr Borland of DFI and I know that it will be very useful as we approach 1st October commencement date for the Graduated Driving License changes becoming active.
"I wish everyone beginning their car driving learning process under the new rules well and urge everyone to exercise care when they do start driving on the roads in Northern Ireland.”