It will come into force later this year
A UK driving licence (Image: Yau Ming Low via Getty Images)
A major change to driving licences is set to impact millions of people across the UK, with the government preparing to “simplify access” later this year.
British driving licence holders, of which there are some 42 million, will soon be able to store their driving licence electronically, once a new app is rolled out by the government, which will also contain their ID.
Based on official papers, ministers expect the innovative smartphone-based licence to generate savings of approximately £45 billion. The electronic licence will be incorporated into the Gov.uk App and Wallet, providing users with convenient access to documents including their driving licence and MOT expiry dates.
UK retailers are currently preparing to accept the electronic ID for age confirmation when making purchases. When the initiative was revealed earlier this year, 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.”
Supporting both iOS and Android platforms, the Gov.UK Wallet is set to transform how personal identification and vehicle documentation are stored and displayed. The digital driving licence will be recognised as equivalent to the traditional plastic licence and will be accepted as a form of identification.
Nevertheless, those who already possess plastic licences will still be able to use them as motorists will not be forced to discard their existing cards.
Physical licences will continue to be issued with digital licences being optional, to begin with at least. Though the digital licence app does offer additional benefits such as being able to review their driving record, endorsements as well as renewing the licence, all in one place.
Licence-holders will be able to view penalty points on the app which will also feature encryption and two-factor authentication in an effort to make fraud more challenging to achieve – as well as claiming it will make it easier for drivers to access their details.
In its release shared earlier this year, the government said the Gov.UK Wallet is “underpinned” by security and identity verification measures.
It added: “Using a single sign on also means accessing government services will be much more straightforward, saving individuals and businesses money and hours of frustration so they can focus on what matters.”
The rollout is expected to begin later this year, and “all government services will have to offer a digital alternative alongside paper or card credentials by the end of 2027 under plans set out by the blueprint for digital government.”
