To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any assessment that has been made of the potential financial impact of the Graduated Driver Licensing scheme on learners and their families, including increased lesson costs and affordability in rural communities.

The main cost in learning to drive is the cost of instruction. The introduction of the Mandatory Minimum Learning Period and the Programme of Training will encourage learners to take a steady and progressive path to learning to drive and learner drivers may, as now, still choose to learn to drive with a supervising driver, an approved driving/motorcycle instructor or a combination of both. While the training may require more lessons, depending on the individual, there is no requirement to take paid lessons.

There will be an additional cost of £17 for the use of the app for the Programme of Training and Logbook.