Massive change to driving licences this year could impact 50,000,000 Britons
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A major digital overhaul of UK driving licences is expected this year, bringing licences to a mobile app. The look of your driving licence could soon be very different after government plans to put them on smartphones were revealed. Tens of millions of people will be able to use an official gov.uk app as proof of their identity if the proposal goes ahead. It will be accepted as ID when voting, buying alcohol and domestic flights.
The digital driving licence project is expected to be officially launched next week, The Times reports. But those wanting to stick to the classic physical driving permit do not need to worry as the scheme will be voluntary. Drivers will still be issued provisional and full licences.
However, ministers reportedly hope the new app will ‘drag government in to the 2020s,’ according to the outlet. The app is now being developed by the Department of Science and Technology, set to be ready later this year. It could be accepted as proof of ID in supermarkets too, with shops able to link the digital licence app with self-checkouts to prove their age instead of interacting with a cashier.
Around 50,000,000 people in the UK have a full or a provisional driving licence. All drivers must have a correct and valid driving licence before getting behind the wheel. And of course, motorists must meet the minimum age for doing so as well as meet the eyesight rules.
