Face of Nation : Physical driver’s licences could become a thing of the past, as digital permits on smartphones are introduced.
The change was announced in the New South Wales state budget on Tuesday, and 14,000 digital licences are already being used in a trial across the state.
The programme will now be extended state-wide.
Physical driver’s licences could become a thing of the past, as digital permits on smartphones are introduced.
The change was announced in the New South Wales state budget on Tuesday, and 14,000 digital licences are already being used in a trial across the state.
The programme will now be extended state-wide.
Digital driver’s licences will be displayed on holders’ smartphones, and will be protected by a pin number.
NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said people were already using their smartphones as wallets, and so it made sense for digital driver’s licences to be introduced.
‘We’re using cutting edge technology so that drivers can use a digital licence in everyday scenarios,’ he said.
‘[Digital licences] will provide additional levels of security and protection against identity fraud, compared to the plastic driver’s licence.’
Drivers can choose to opt in to use a digital licence, and during the trial drivers were still required to have their physical licence.
