Major driving licence change affecting 50,000,000 people set to launch within months
A new government app is launching soon, allowing motorists to use it as a digital driving licence and official ID.
Losing the plastic driving licence can be too easy to do, but that will soon be a thing of the past when the new smartphone licence launches as part of the government’s digital push to save £45,000,000,000.
The new licence will be part of the Gov.uk App and Wallet, where people can access their documents and important details like the licence, MOT dates and benefits payments.
It can even be used in supermarkets and websites to verify ID and age.
When will the digital driving licence launch?
The government first revealed the digital overhaul in January, saying the changes will happen later this year.
However, some aspects of the digital wallet will be ready for the first users this summer.
The first to get access to the app will be veterans, who can use the gov.uk wallet for the digital veteran card.
This will be followed by an ‘early version’ of the digital driving licence, but not exact date has been announced yet.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: ‘This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID.
‘The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone
What is the digital driving licence?
It will be an online version of the traditional plastic licence that will be available on the app to show to prove the right to drive.
It will also be accepted as a form of ID.
UK driving licence rules
Around 50,000,000 people in the UK have a full or a provisional driving licence.
All drivers must have a correct and valid driving licence before getting behind the wheel. And of course, motorists must meet the minimum age for doing so as well as meet the eyesight rules.
Drivers don’t need to have their license in their pocket when on the road, but if stopped by an officer, they must take them to a police station within seven days.
But drivers are not forced to ditch the traditional licence cards as the new digi card will be optional.
Physical provisional and full photocard licence will continue to be issued, with digital licences being optional initially.
The digital driving licence app offers perks like viewing your driving record, endorsements and renewing the licence in one place.
It will also show penalty points, while the app is set to feature encryption and two-factor authentication to make forgery more difficult.
What is in the digital Gov.uk Wallet?
The Gov.uk Wallet will house documents like the veteran card, DBS checks and all other credentials issued by the government once it has fully launched.
Traditional documents will still be available and valid, the government said.
Users can access their documents straight away when applying rather than waiting for them in the post.
In the future, the Gov.uk App can be used to cancel a stolen passport, find an apprenticeship or apply for benefits.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.