Major UK driving licence change could impact 42 | Tech News

A serious change to driving licences is set to impact tens of millions of people throughout the UK, with the federal government making ready to “simplify access” later this yr.(*42*)

British driving licence holders, of which there are some 42 million, will quickly be capable to store their driving licence electronically, as soon as a new app is rolled out by the federal government, which can even include their ID.(*42*)

Based on official papers, ministers count on the revolutionary smartphone-based licence to generate financial savings of roughly £45 billion. The digital licence will probably be included into the Gov.uk App and Wallet, offering customers with handy entry to paperwork together with their driving licence and MOT expiry dates.(*42*)

UK retailers are at the moment making ready to simply accept the digital ID for age affirmation when making purchases. When the initiative was revealed earlier this yr, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander mentioned: “This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID.

“The innovation places energy back within the arms of the people, making on a regular basis interactions quicker, simpler, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public companies work for everybody.”

Supporting both iOS and Android platforms, the Gov.UK Wallet is set to transform how personal identification and vehicle documentation are stored and displayed. The digital driving licence will be recognised as equivalent to the traditional plastic licence and will be accepted as a form of identification.

Nevertheless, those who already possess plastic licences will still be able to use them as motorists will not be forced to discard their existing cards.

Physical licences will continue to be issued with digital licences being optional, to begin with at least. Though the digital licence app does offer additional benefits such as being able to review their driving record, endorsements as well as renewing the licence, all in one place.

Licence-holders will be able to view penalty points on the app which will also feature encryption and two-factor authentication in an effort to make fraud more challenging to achieve – as well as claiming it will make it easier for drivers to access their details.

In its release shared earlier this year, the government said the Gov.UK Wallet is “underpinned” by security and identity verification measures.

It added: “Using a single signal on additionally means accessing authorities companies will probably be a lot more easy, saving people and companies money and hours of frustration to allow them to concentrate on what issues.”

The rollout is expected to begin later this year, and “all authorities companies should offer a digital various alongside paper or card credentials by the tip of 2027 beneath plans set out by the blueprint for digital authorities.”(*42*)