More than four million Victorian motorists are just weeks away from getting their hands on a digital driver’s licence, with the long-awaited statewide rollout of the new technology set to begin next month.
The rollout, which will make Victoria only the fourth jurisdiction with a digital alternative to physical driver’s licences, comes just months after the state government wrapped up a trial of the digital licence in the regional city of Ballarat.
As many as 15,000 Ballarat residents took part in the six-month trial, which tested the acceptance of the digital licence with retailers, licences venues, Australia Post and Victoria Police ahead of a wider rollout in 2024.
While additional trials had been expected to take place before the rollout, Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne and Minister for Government Services Gabrielle Williams on Saturday announced that the full-blown rollout would begin in May.
“Victorians have been asking us for a digital driver licence – and 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,” Ms Williams said.
Full licence holders, including motorists and heavy vehicle operators, will be able to download a digital licence using the myVicRoads or Service Victoria apps, bringing the number of eligible drivers to more than four and half million.
Learner and probationary drivers will, however, have to wait until 2025, not late 2024 as first promised by the government. It is unclear whether these licences holders took part in the Ballarat trial.
In a statement, the government said that Victorians who have already downloaded either the myVicRoads or Service Victoria apps will “automatically receive their digital licence… once it has been processed in May and will be alerted by push notification or email”.
It is unclear if this means existing users of either app will have to opt-out of receiving a digital driver’s licence. InnovationAus.com has contacted the Department of Government Service for comment.
The digital licence will include new security features, including a dynamic hologram and a timed QR code that can be used by Victoria Police and businesses to verify the authenticity of a licence and prevent fraudulent use.
It will also update in real-time to reflect any changes, such as a change of address or new licence conditions, and will be useable as a proof of identity even if the licence is revoked or cancelled.
The state government plans to ramp up consultations with Victoria Police, Australia Post and businesses, such as bars, restaurants and car hire outlets, during April to ensure they are ready to accept the digital driver’s licence.
South Australia launched a digital driver’s licence through its myGov SA app in October 2017, followed by New South Wales two years later in October 2019 and Queensland in November last year.
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