Victorian motorists will soon be able to leave their physical driver’s licences at home with VicRoads and Service Victoria trialling digital licences in Ballarat before a statewide rollout next year.
Announced by the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, full licence holders in Ballarat will be able to sign up for the pilot next month (June) before the trial begins in July.
“The new technology will give motorists the choice to store a secure digital version of their driver licence in the popular Service Victoria app or soon-to-be-launched my VicRoads app,” Ms Horne said.
“The card will feature superior security features – with the licence updated in real time in response to any changes such as new licence conditions or a change of address,” she said.
“Digital licences will automatically reveal if a licence has been revoked or suspended but will still be available for use to prove identity or age when it is not active.”
Ms Horne said the digital licence had a highly secure, timed QR code that could be scanned by licence validators such as police, businesses and other authorities to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use.
She said accessibility and security of personal information was the highest priority.
“During the Ballarat trial, feedback will be sought from motorists, retailers, licensed venues, Victoria Police and places where a licence is used as proof of identity,” the Minister said.
“The initial pilot is for full licence holders and won’t change the obligation for L and P plate drivers to carry their physical licence with them at all times,” she said.
“Drivers will still have the option to use their physical licence,” Ms Horne said.
