Driving shift: Millions of state’s motorists gear up for major licence change
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In a digital age where convenience is king, Australians are witnessing a significant shift in how they carry out everyday activities, including driving.
One state is set to join the ranks of the others by officially allowing over four million motorists a new option for their driver's licence.
From May, Victoria's Minister for Roads, Melissa Horne, announced that the option to use a digital version of driver's licence will be rolled out statewide, signalling a new era of digital integration for road users.
This move, which has been successfully trialled for six months in Ballarat with 15,000 participants, is a game-changer for drivers who are accustomed to the traditional plastic card.
The change will be beneficial for more than 4.5 million fully licensed eligible drivers.
The digital licence isn't just a static image; it's a dynamic, real-time reflection of the driver's status, indicating clearly if the licence has been revoked or suspended.
This innovative feature will ensure that the information is always up-to-date, providing peace of mind for both the licence holder and those who need to verify its authenticity, such as police and businesses.
Verification will be made secure and straightforward through the use of a timed QR code, which can be scanned to confirm the licence's validity.
The convenience of having a digital driver's licence extends beyond just driving as it can also be used as proof of identity starting this month, streamlining processes that require photo identification.
As we approach the official change, consultations with key stakeholders, including bars, restaurants, retailers, and law enforcement, will intensify to ensure a smooth transition.
'Our digital driver licences will make it easier for Victorians when they go about their day-to-day lives—whether that's driving around, renting a car, collecting a parcel or visiting a licensed venue,' Ms Horne stated, highlighting the practical benefits of this technological advancement.
The digital trend is not new to Australia, with Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales already embracing digital IDs.
South Australia was the pioneer, launching its digital licences in 2017, with NSW following suit two years later.
Queenslanders, despite a minor glitch delaying the rollout, have been able to use digital ID cards since November 2023.
Victorian Minister for Government Services, Gabrielle Williams, acknowledged the public's demand for such a service, saying, 'Victorians have been asking us for a digital driver licence.'
‘From next month, millions of Victorians can access them on their phones, alongside other government-issued cards like a Working with Children Check, seniors card or fishing licence.’
For those who have already downloaded the myVicRoads or Services Victoria app, the transition will be seamless.
The digital licence will automatically appear in the app once processed in May, and any updates to licence conditions or personal details, such as home addresses, will be reflected real-time.
Have you made the switch to a digital licence yet, or are you planning to? What are your concerns or expectations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
One state is set to join the ranks of the others by officially allowing over four million motorists a new option for their driver's licence.
From May, Victoria's Minister for Roads, Melissa Horne, announced that the option to use a digital version of driver's licence will be rolled out statewide, signalling a new era of digital integration for road users.
This move, which has been successfully trialled for six months in Ballarat with 15,000 participants, is a game-changer for drivers who are accustomed to the traditional plastic card.
The change will be beneficial for more than 4.5 million fully licensed eligible drivers.
Victoria announced the option to use a digital version of driver’s licence for more than 4.5 million eligible drivers starting May 2024. Credits: Shutterstock
The digital licence isn't just a static image; it's a dynamic, real-time reflection of the driver's status, indicating clearly if the licence has been revoked or suspended.
This innovative feature will ensure that the information is always up-to-date, providing peace of mind for both the licence holder and those who need to verify its authenticity, such as police and businesses.
Verification will be made secure and straightforward through the use of a timed QR code, which can be scanned to confirm the licence's validity.
The convenience of having a digital driver's licence extends beyond just driving as it can also be used as proof of identity starting this month, streamlining processes that require photo identification.
As we approach the official change, consultations with key stakeholders, including bars, restaurants, retailers, and law enforcement, will intensify to ensure a smooth transition.
'Our digital driver licences will make it easier for Victorians when they go about their day-to-day lives—whether that's driving around, renting a car, collecting a parcel or visiting a licensed venue,' Ms Horne stated, highlighting the practical benefits of this technological advancement.
The digital trend is not new to Australia, with Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales already embracing digital IDs.
South Australia was the pioneer, launching its digital licences in 2017, with NSW following suit two years later.
Queenslanders, despite a minor glitch delaying the rollout, have been able to use digital ID cards since November 2023.
Victorian Minister for Government Services, Gabrielle Williams, acknowledged the public's demand for such a service, saying, 'Victorians have been asking us for a digital driver licence.'
‘From next month, millions of Victorians can access them on their phones, alongside other government-issued cards like a Working with Children Check, seniors card or fishing licence.’
For those who have already downloaded the myVicRoads or Services Victoria app, the transition will be seamless.
The digital licence will automatically appear in the app once processed in May, and any updates to licence conditions or personal details, such as home addresses, will be reflected real-time.
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