Huge change to UK driving licences to be rolled out this 12 months – and it will influence thousands and thousands
Digital driving licences are coming as the UK government is set to roll them out, aiming to use tech to ‘transform public services’ and make life a whole lot easier
Driving licences are going digital this year, meaning millions of Brits could soon use their smartphones as the ultimate proof of identity.
In yet another move to modernise, Starmer’s government will say the digital licences could be used for everything from buying booze to hopping on a domestic flight or even casting your vote.
While the scheme will be optional and drivers will still get the classic photocard licence, ministers are hoping this rollout will finally “drag the government into the 2020s.”
The Government have planned a special product launch in Central London next week to announce their new plans.
The AA’s head of roads policy Jack Cousens told The Times: “There are clearly some benefits of having a digital licence, especially if you are pulled over by the police and need to show your documents.”
Drivers are not legally required to carry their licence, but they must provide it within seven days if requested.
Australia, Denmark, Iceland and Norway already have digital driving licences. In Australia, people use their digital licences to enter pubs and bars, buy booze and as ID for events.
So far, it is understood that the digital ID will only be available in the app, instead of being able to be added to your Google of Apple wallet.
A digital version of the Veteran Card, used by former armed forces members for exclusive services, is also set to land on the app.
Although some watchdog groups remain concerned about the security of digitised identities, the Government has reassured that they will put banking app-like security on their app.
A Government spokesperson told The Times: “Technology now makes it possible for digital identities to be more secure than physical ones, but we remain clear that they will not be made mandatory.”
It looks like your phone is about to become your one-stop shop for all things identity.
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