The way we use driving licences is set to change forever this summer (Image: Oleksandr Siedov via Getty Images)
A huge new driving licence rule coming into effect this year has proven controversial.
The Government has announced that motorists will soon be offered digital versions of their .
The development is part of a wider scheme to integrate digital technology with services.
It will form part of the launch of the GOV.UK Wallet, planned to be released within the new GOV.UK app this summer.
It will enable people to verify their identity using their phone both in store and online.
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Portrait of a female student passing her driving test after a young driving instructor graded her. Holding her new driver’s licence. (Image: urbazon via Getty Images)
The app development is part of the revamped Government Digital Service, which aims to save £45bn of taxpayer money.
The GOV.UK Wallet will provide a secure platform for users to store government-issued documents on their smartphones, accessible whenever required.
The technology will leverage built-in security features of modern , including facial recognition checks akin to those used for digital bank card payments.
The Science Secretary, Peter Kyle , stating that by the end of 2027, the GOV.UK Wallet will incorporate documents such as Veteran Cards, DBS checks and all other credentials issued by the government.
This will be an option for those who wish to utilise it, while traditional physical documents will continue to be available.
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Science Secretary Peter Kyle hailed the move (Image: Getty)
Future enhancements to the app are also expected to include an , methods for making payments, and receiving timely notifications and reminders about relevant services.
said the move would “slash the time people waste dealing with annoying processes”.
He added: “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.
“Crucially, it also opens huge opportunities to make interacting with much easier by putting people in control of their own data.”
Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, called the initiative a “game changer” – but not everyone is convinced.
In a recent survey, 47 per cent of motorists expressed concerns about the move, .
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “It’s fair to say Britons are on the fence when it comes to their opinions on digital driving licences.
“While legitimate concerns are raised for elderly , the changes aren’t mandatory, so it does allow those who consider themselves less tech-savvy to continue with a physical licence.
“For those in favour, digital licences offer a secure form of identification, using smartphone security features that most people already have in use.”
Mr Wilson noted that anyone caught with inaccurate details or an expired licence could “invalidate their car insurance and even risk fines, penalty points and prosecution”.