In an era where our smartphones have become the Swiss Army knives of technology, carrying everything from our calendars to our cameras, one Aussie state has embraced the digital revolution in yet another aspect of daily life.

This initiative promises enhanced convenience and security and makes everyday tasks such as identity verification and vehicle rental more seamless.

Gone are the days of fretting over a forgotten wallet as you head out the door; your driver's licence can now be as mobile as you are.

Following a successful pilot program in Ballarat, the Victorian state government officially rolled out digital driving licences, a move that is set to benefit more than 4.5 million fully licensed drivers across the state.

This innovative step not only streamlines the process of carrying and presenting identification but also enhances security with features like a dynamic hologram and a timed QR code.

The digital licence system is designed with privacy in mind, allowing Victorians to control the personal information they share.

Victorian drivers can now store their licences on their smartphones with the introduction of digital driving licences. Credits: Shutterstock

Depending on the situation—whether you're interacting with law enforcement or simply proving your age at a local pub—there are three levels of information that can be disclosed: full licence details, identity (including name and address), and proof of age.

Businesses can quickly verify the information they need by scanning the QR code, which is uniquely generated for each transaction and expires after two minutes.

This ensures that data isn't left hanging around longer than necessary.

Minister for Roads and Safety, Melissa Horne, highlighted the convenience that digital licences will bring to Victorians.

‘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,’ she explained.

This digital shift isn't limited to driver's licences either; other government-issued cards, such as Working with Children Checks, seniors cards, and fishing licences, are also entering the digital domain.

For those on learners and probationary licences, the wait won't be long, with digital access expected by 2025.

The initial trial in Ballarat, which saw over 15,000 residents test the digital system, paved the way for this statewide implementation.

To get your digital licence, simply download the myVicRoads or Service Victoria app from Google Play or the App Store.

Once you've logged in or created an account, your digital licence will be ready to use, offering a new level of convenience and security.

This shift towards digital licences is part of a broader trend of integrating technology into everyday life, particularly beneficial for older Australians who increasingly embrace digital tools.

The rollout in Victoria reflects a growing movement across the country, with similar initiatives already in place or planned in other states.

This modernisation aims to enhance convenience and security, catering to the needs of all age groups.

Key Takeaways

• Digital driving licences are now available in Victoria, allowing drivers to carry their licences on their phones.
• The licences feature a dynamic hologram and a timed QR code, letting Victorians choose the level of personal information they wish to share.
• The digital licences will facilitate various everyday activities for Victorians, such as driving, renting a car, and proof of age verification.
• Fully licensed Victorians can download their digital licence through the myVicRoads or Service Victoria app, and learners and probationary licence holders will have access by 2025.

Are you excited about the convenience of a digital licence, or do you have concerns about security and privacy? Perhaps you've already made the switch and have some first-hand experiences to share.

Let us know in the comments below, and let's navigate this digital highway together!

 

[Rob44]

I love a contrarian view maybe more than most. I also love the way technology is advancing. I think it a good idea that divers licences be available on smart phones as I'm very familiar and comfortable with the digital world that does indeed offer me convenience and eliminates heaps of wasted time when doing mundane chores.

I doubt very much that the simple convenience of using digital technology will lead to a dystopian type society. There's plenty of us around to ensure that doesn't happen.

A good anti-virus program will hugely mitigate the risks of hackers.

Anti-virus/anti-scammer programs are reactive. Scammers and hackers are pro-active.

 

[Luckyus]

Any Government State or Federal initiative will ultimately cost the voter more than is purported to be saved.

 

[JimmyFlatrock]

Anti-virus/anti-scammer programs are reactive. Scammers and hackers are pro-active.

100% accurate statement.
That's why I said will hugely mitigate, because the good anti-virus programs react very fast to the new efforts of hackers. Better to have than to not have imo.

 

[Greg350]

What about those who don't have a smart phone?

Well you don't do it obviously, lol

 

[Greg350]

Well, that negates the purpose of having a "digital" licence.

Just another layer of covert surveillance by Big Brother.

Hey Einstein, explain how this is covert surveillance? FFS some of you are stupid. You don't understand something so it must be bad.

 

[Greeg g]

I hope the government mouthpiece who wrote this rubbish reads the comments.

 

[Greg350]

EASIER CONVEMIET the soft sell then the banks will push the system then when they are ready CASH will go and will be all digital and total control misbehave no cash no pension or any assistance and then we will revolt sorry TOO late to return to a system with faults but understood that worked.As for comment on SOVIET system Karl Marx and crew dod what is happening now DISARM the public thwart any oblections remove resistance WEF Schwarb on going doctrine call it what you like same text.Pastor Barry SMITH f or told this early 80s .Sone of his work is still on Goggle etc BARRY SMITH MINISTERIES

You're on the internet, yet this worries you?
The mind numbing stupidly here is unbelievable

 

[Greg350]

Bullsht at its best.Al lot of senior citizens will have trouble with digital systems ,When does thethe dumb phones arrive.Gran children will not have a problem I will.Kill off the seniors they know what Australia was and should be no reference to what we had do as you are told and get zapped when you reach 30.Less work for publc servants and easier to control the masses..Soviiet CCCP control for the ants to work.

Put your tin foil hat

 

[Greg350]

With the new heads up car screens why not simply have your digital ball-and-chain displayed on that?

Way to go, showing you have no idea about technology.
Is the car screen connected to the internet? The vast majority are not. Can the phone be mirrored onto the car screen? Usually yes, no good for the cop though who needs to scan the QR code on the phone.

Instead of just saying how bad something is without knowing anything about it why not do some research and find out exactly how the system works and how much safer it is compared to a plastic card.

 

[Greg350]

Anti-virus/anti-scammer programs are reactive. Scammers and hackers are pro-active.

You can have three levels of security on your phone with this, only the most sophisticated crims can get in.......maybe.

 

[Greg350]

Any Government State or Federal initiative will ultimately cost the voter more than is purported to be saved.

Go through life like that will make you a sad, sad person.

 

[Greg350]

I hope the government mouthpiece who wrote this rubbish reads the comments.

Millions have done it already in NSW, QLD and SA, very happy with it and far safer compared to a plastic card.

 

[Greg350]

I hope the government mouthpiece who wrote this rubbish reads the comments.

Millions have done it already in NSW, QLD and SA, very happy with it and far safer compared to a plastic card.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Hey Einstein, explain how this is covert surveillance? FFS some of you are stupid. You don't understand something so it must be bad.

It's installed on a mobile phone which is TRACEABLE numbnuts!

 

[Greg350]

Just look at this nonsense on here today, no one understands the technology used so straight up it's sinister, it's about control, they want to track you.

What the hell is wrong with you people, nutters everywhere, always thinking the gov is out to get them. Guess what none of you are that special, the gov does not give a rats whether you get your milk from Coles or Woolworths, if you go to a club or which doctor you attend.

The idea of digital licences is to simplify life and make it easier for police to check the validity of your licence.

Many people don't want to carry a wallet/purse anymore, they use their phone for everything and this licence makes it much more convenient.
Also a plastic licence is just a card, your licence could be suspended, cancelled, looking at the plastic tells the cop nothing. To check they have to access the data base, this takes time, time that's not practical when doing RBT for example. With the digital licence cops can do an RBT and scan your phone, gives them an instant licence status, in turn this will help get more drivers off the road who should not be there.

A plastic card can be seen by the simplest criminal, anyone can read a card and see the details, it can be lost, stolen and seen easily. A phone licence is hidden, can be behind three levels of security if you want, fingerprint, facial for example, far, far harder for anyone to see, only the most sophisticated criminal "maybe" able to get in, and that's unlikely. Even the FBI couldn't get into an iPhone, had to go to Apple.

People, the technological age is with us, I know some of you don't understand it and you don't have to have this digital licence, it will NEVER be mandatory in your lifetime. No one is going to make everyone have a phone.

It's installed on a mobile phone which is TRACEABLE numbnuts!

So you don't know.

I asked to explain how it works.

If you have a phone, regardless of what's installed, it's traceable to a certain degree.

So again, explain how having this App is different? Come on, give me details, you must know because you said so.

 

[JimmyFlatrock]

Geez this site is better than tv! All the comments. Haven't had such a good laugh in ages. Oh, my aching guts. Maybe it's just my weird/child-like sense of humour arising even in such seemingly serious debates.. I always did love Keatings swipes. Doing you slowly...

Perhaps a moment of mindless levity on my part, because there is also some learning to be had here.

 

[Hieme]

I have a telephone that makes telephone calls to others, and others make telephone calls to me.
End of story.

 

[Rob44]

Way to go, showing you have no idea about technology.
Is the car screen connected to the internet? The vast majority are not. Can the phone be mirrored onto the car screen? Usually yes, no good for the cop though who needs to scan the QR code on the phone.

Instead of just saying how bad something is without knowing anything about it why not do some research and find out exactly how the system works and how much safer it is compared to a plastic card.

I merely suggested a future very convenient technological development. Is there any good reason why we cannot design a car windscreen to link to the internet? We could amuse ourselves flashing driving licences at each whilst driving along the freeway or maybe even play computer games on our windscreens whilst the car drives itself...............

 

[Rob44]

Just look at this nonsense on here today, no one understands the technology used so straight up it's sinister, it's about control, they want to track you.

What the hell is wrong with you people, nutters everywhere, always thinking the gov is out to get them. Guess what none of you are that special, the gov does not give a rats whether you get your milk from Coles or Woolworths, if you go to a club or which doctor you attend.

The idea of digital licences is to simplify life and make it easier for police to check the validity of your licence.

Many people don't want to carry a wallet/purse anymore, they use their phone for everything and this licence makes it much more convenient.
Also a plastic licence is just a card, your licence could be suspended, cancelled, looking at the plastic tells the cop nothing. To check they have to access the data base, this takes time, time that's not practical when doing RBT for example. With the digital licence cops can do an RBT and scan your phone, gives them an instant licence status, in turn this will help get more drivers off the road who should not be there.

A plastic card can be seen by the simplest criminal, anyone can read a card and see the details, it can be lost, stolen and seen easily. A phone licence is hidden, can be behind three levels of security if you want, fingerprint, facial for example, far, far harder for anyone to see, only the most sophisticated criminal "maybe" able to get in, and that's unlikely. Even the FBI couldn't get into an iPhone, had to go to Apple.

People, the technological age is with us, I know some of you don't understand it and you don't have to have this digital licence, it will NEVER be mandatory in your lifetime. No one is going to make everyone have a phone.

So you don't know.

I asked to explain how it works.

If you have a phone, regardless of what's installed, it's traceable to a certain degree.

So again, explain how having this App is different? Come on, give me details, you must know because you said so.

Interesting as to what is happening in PR China with its social credit system.

 

[freedy50]

EASIER CONVEMIET the soft sell then the banks will push the system then when they are ready CASH will go and will be all digital and total control misbehave no cash no pension or any assistance and then we will revolt sorry TOO late to return to a system with faults but understood that worked.As for comment on SOVIET system Karl Marx and crew dod what is happening now DISARM the public thwart any oblections remove resistance WEF Schwarb on going doctrine call it what you like same text.Pastor Barry SMITH f or told this early 80s .Sone of his work is still on Goggle etc BARRY SMITH MINISTERIES

You need to stop reading the fake rubbiosh you're reading and stay off the wacky baccy.

No, WEF chair didn’t admit revolution is destroying ‘agenda’

Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum’s founder and executive chair, has become something of a conspiracy theorist’s bo

www.politifact.com