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.

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just a static image; it's a dynamic, real-time reflection of the driver's status, indicating clearly if the licence has been revoked or suspended.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.

Key Takeaways

• Victorians will be able to use a digital version of their driver's licence, with more than 4.5 million fully licensed drivers eligible for the change initially.
• The digital licence, which can be stored in the Service Victoria or myVicRoads app, will show real-time status updates and can be verified with a timed QR code.
• The initiative followed a successful six-month trial in Ballarat and the move by several other Australian states to digital driver's licences.
• The digital licence will be rolled out statewide starting May 2024, with consultation with relevant organisations occurring throughout April.

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!

 

[rijk88]

What if you don't have a smart phone? It's a costly imposition if you now need to get one. And I often forget my phone when driving. What happens if I'm stopped? This is yet another insufferable shifting of cost to the user.

 

[Dizzydi]

Great if you have a mobile phone...I don"t and don"t one had three in the past and had trouble using them now I have given up..............I am 78 years young have no trouble with my computer, I-pad but the phone is a different matter...........

 

[Ann Harlond]

I just received a new digital license due to a scam attach at Vic Roads. I'm a senior and unfortunately, I have absolutely no idea in how to use QR codes, how to keep myself self etc etc even though I did use it for the shops I entered during Covid. This is the way the world is going, 'Find out how to understand these things which can be impossible when you don't even know what the new societies words are on the Internet.

 

[Mrtnst]

What if you don't have a smart phone? It's a costly imposition if you now need to get one. And I often forget my phone when driving. What happens if I'm stopped? This is yet another insufferable shifting of cost to the user.

If it's implemented the same way it works in others states you will still be issued with a plastic card and able to use it as you do now.

 

[gerryhatrick]

85 years old do not drive much as I also need a wheelchair to get about have no mobile and wouldnt add an app even if I knew how .

 

[Larcol]

For myself I am not in favour of digital licenses, I am 70plus and want to keep my plastic card... I am unsure of using mobile for anything thats connected with banking, license, medical and government... I hope its not made compolsary.

 

[lonelyasacloud]

I have the digital version but also have a physical card. For me it means keeping my license at home in a safe place as I always have my phone with me. Love it

 

[VicCiCi]

I will not be getting a digital license as l am not a yuppy and don’t always take my phone with me. I have lost my phone a number of times but found it later. I don’t lose my bag and take it when l go out. My phone is not glued to my ear as it is with the younger generation.

 

[DazzaBlacky]

No, this is something that I have not asked for and none of my friends have said they wanted it either.

So now instead of simply looking at a physical picture license and saying yes, that’s you, one will also need to verify the validity of the digital image through the QR process, hello internet coverage issues…..

lol, something else for hackers and scammers to play with…

 

[Bigjamie]

HANG ON A MINUTE
So you get a digital Drivers license, a Digital Fishing License, but you haven’t renewed a Digital Park Pass, and you go fishing on the weekend , and inadvertently pass through a National Park on your way, and unbeknownst to you your smart phone Location Services are on.
Probably means there’s a digital fine on the way.

 

[AlanQ]

What if you don't have a smart phone? It's a costly imposition if you now need to get one. And I often forget my phone when driving. What happens if I'm stopped? This is yet another insufferable shifting of cost to the user.

So you read the article. Including the opt in portion. It's not compulsory. You'll still have a licence to show.

 

[Greatgwr]

This will be for the younger generation, I use computers and my phone for many things and am reasonably competent, but until you said I had no idea that SA even had the facility for a digital license, I won't be getting one but maybe that indicates how much effect it will have on most people of a mature age.

 

[AlanQ]

What if you don't have a smart phone? It's a costly imposition if you now need to get one. And I often forget my phone when driving. What happens if I'm stopped? This is yet another insufferable shifting of cost to the user.

'Should have gone to specsavers'. Just where in the article does it say it's compulsory, it's an opt in choice.

 

[AlanQ]

I just received a new digital license due to a scam attach at Vic Roads. I'm a senior and unfortunately, I have absolutely no idea in how to use QR codes, how to keep myself self etc etc even though I did use it for the shops I entered during Covid. This is the way the world is going, 'Find out how to understand these things which can be impossible when you don't even know what the new societies words are on the Internet.

It's an opt in licence, so why would you have agreed? Question why Vicroads would also just dish them out. The Vicroad scam was as a result of the data breach at latitude finance well over a year ago. The trial was only in the Ballarat region (15k ppl) so you referencing is out of whack date wise.

 

[AlanQ]

This will be for the younger generation, I use computers and my phone for many things and am reasonably competent, but until you said I had no idea that SA even had the facility for a digital license, I won't be getting one but maybe that indicates how much effect it will have on most people of a mature age.

It's a VICTORIAN story, nothing to do with Sth Aust. But, it will eventually happen there. (like everything in SA 5yrs later).

 

[52-KID]

And what they don't say is that you need to show your licence in an area where there is no phone coverage, you will still need your physical card. So it's fine around town, but not necessarily so driving in the country. We had it happen a while back.

 

[NotNats]

straight from a police officer - even if you have a digital licence, you MUST ALWAYS have your PHYSICAL card with you in case they ask for it.

 

[julieapol]

I don't want one. It's just another way for hackers to get all your information and the government to know where you've been and what your doing. I will fight not to have mine digital all the way and I bet it will be more expensive to boot. The government isn't working for us at all, when will people wake up.

 

[Clancieblue]

That should make it much easier for the scammers. Well done