Not only do they continue to ensure road safety by confirming that the driver has met the necessary standards and regulations – but will help drivers in a digital age.
This legal guide looks at these new driving licences.
What is a digital driving licence?
A digital driving licence is a version of your driving licence that exists in an online/app format, accessible through a smartphone or other smart devices.
It is an alternative to the physical plastic card, offering a convenient and secure way to prove your identity and driving entitlement.
The new Labour government have recently announced the plans to go ahead with the digitalisation.
Drivers will continue to receive provisional and full photocard driving licences, with digital versions initially being optional.
Led by the Department of Science and Technology, the Government is exploring the possibility of consolidating various state services into a single app, including benefits claims and tax payments.
The app, expected to be called 'Gov.UK,' is set for an official public launch later this year.
Currently, around 50 million people in the UK hold a full or provisional driving licence.
How will it work in the UK?
The planned app is not currently intended to be integrated into Apple or Google wallets but will feature its own in-app wallet, allowing users to access their ID.
Once fully release, the digital driving licence will be available through the UK government’s app, where drivers can view their driving record, check endorsements, and renew their licence.
Much like other digital apps, it will be designed to offer security features, such as two-factor authentication, to prevent misuse.
If you're pulled over by the police or need to prove your driving entitlement for insurance purposes, you can show the digital version, provided the officer or institution accepts it.
Your digital driving licence is regularly updated to reflect any changes in your driving status, such as penalty points or endorsements.
Why are they being introduced?
Digital driving licences will not be replacing the current photocards that all drivers in the UK currently have – but is there to have as an option for drivers.
These licences can feature advanced security measures like encryption and two-factor authentication, making them harder to forge or lose compared to physical cards.
The main reason for this, is security and protecting people’s identities.
Other benefits include being easily accessed on a smartphone, eliminating the need to carry a physical card and making it easier to prove your identity.
The UK will likely adopt features used in other nations that have digital licences.
Countries that have already adopted the scheme include Australia, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway.
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