Motorists across the UK will soon be able to access driving licences through a new Government app, Labour has confirmed in a historic move.
The new digital system which would be a first for the country, will allow people to prove their age and identity through a Gov.uk app featuring a secure digital wallet for Government-issued documents.
The initiative marks a significant shift in how drivers can access and present their driving credentials and breaks away from the 103-year-old tradition of having a physical licence.
The new app is set to launch this summer and will begin with veteran cards, followed by a pilot programme for driving licences which will be introduced later in the year.
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The wallet section of the app will utilise existing smartphone security features, including facial recognition technology similar to that used for digital banking payments.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: "Along with CDs, the Walkman and flip phones, the overflowing drawer rammed with letters from the government and hours spent on hold to get a basic appointment will soon be consigned to history.
"Gov.UK Wallet will mean that every letter or identity document you receive from the government could be issued to you virtually."
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander praised the initiative, calling it "a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID".
She added: "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."
The digital update forms part of broader plans by the Government to achieve £45billion in efficiency savings through its greater reliance on both Artificial Intelligence and more digital tools.
However, while the country moves to becoming more online, the digital licence system will be entirely optional for drivers, with physical documents remaining available for those who prefer traditional formats.
But the move has been met with mixed views by drivers with one person warning it could be a "slippery slope" forcing everyone to eventually move to digital methods.
They shared: "Start with the driving licence and gradually increase the things you add to the app. Slippery slope. Sounds like a great way to create one of the biggest cyber security risks this country has ever known."
Another person shared: "No have a normal one. No point in using a phone, unlocking phone, finding app.. when I can just show my licence."
The move also follows on from previous digital rollouts by the DVSA, which assists 52 million drivers and 46 million vehicle keepers across the UK. Last year the agency announced changes to how MOT certificates could be viewed with them being made digital for the first time.
Chris Price, head of MOT policy at the DVSA, explained the changes to MOT records were to give the agency "the flexibility to not issue a paper fail certificate if the customer is able and willing to view the vehicle’s MOT record and history online".
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He added: "If the customer would prefer to look at this information online using the MOT history service, that’s fine. We want them to be able to choose what works best for them."
The shift from physical paper documents to digital equivalents was done to help reduce materials usage, speed up administration processes and reduce costs.
The European Parliament has also embraced digital driving licence initiatives, confirming several changes to EU driving licence rules in 2023.
Find Out More...
The new digital system which would be a first for the country, will allow people to prove their age and identity through a Gov.uk app featuring a secure digital wallet for Government-issued documents.
The initiative marks a significant shift in how drivers can access and present their driving credentials and breaks away from the 103-year-old tradition of having a physical licence.
The new app is set to launch this summer and will begin with veteran cards, followed by a pilot programme for driving licences which will be introduced later in the year.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
The wallet section of the app will utilise existing smartphone security features, including facial recognition technology similar to that used for digital banking payments.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: "Along with CDs, the Walkman and flip phones, the overflowing drawer rammed with letters from the government and hours spent on hold to get a basic appointment will soon be consigned to history.
"Gov.UK Wallet will mean that every letter or identity document you receive from the government could be issued to you virtually."
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander praised the initiative, calling it "a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID".
She added: "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."
The digital update forms part of broader plans by the Government to achieve £45billion in efficiency savings through its greater reliance on both Artificial Intelligence and more digital tools.
However, while the country moves to becoming more online, the digital licence system will be entirely optional for drivers, with physical documents remaining available for those who prefer traditional formats.
But the move has been met with mixed views by drivers with one person warning it could be a "slippery slope" forcing everyone to eventually move to digital methods.
They shared: "Start with the driving licence and gradually increase the things you add to the app. Slippery slope. Sounds like a great way to create one of the biggest cyber security risks this country has ever known."
Another person shared: "No have a normal one. No point in using a phone, unlocking phone, finding app.. when I can just show my licence."
The move also follows on from previous digital rollouts by the DVSA, which assists 52 million drivers and 46 million vehicle keepers across the UK. Last year the agency announced changes to how MOT certificates could be viewed with them being made digital for the first time.
Chris Price, head of MOT policy at the DVSA, explained the changes to MOT records were to give the agency "the flexibility to not issue a paper fail certificate if the customer is able and willing to view the vehicle’s MOT record and history online".
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He added: "If the customer would prefer to look at this information online using the MOT history service, that’s fine. We want them to be able to choose what works best for them."
The shift from physical paper documents to digital equivalents was done to help reduce materials usage, speed up administration processes and reduce costs.
The European Parliament has also embraced digital driving licence initiatives, confirming several changes to EU driving licence rules in 2023.
Find Out More...