A major driving licence change is about to hit 50 million people
Millions will see a major change to how they use their driving licence with the UK government hoping it will result in savings of an estimated £45 billion
A major driving licence change is coming into force with it expected to affect 50 million people.
The UK government is launching a new app that will allow motorists to store a digital driving licence as well as their ID. Government officials hope the smartphone licence will save an estimated £45 billion. The licence will be a part of the Gov.uk App and Wallet and will allow users to access their documents such as the licence and MOT dates. Supermarkets will also accept the ID as a way to verify the person's age when they make purchases.
"This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID," Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, previously said. "The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone."
Government officials made the announcement in January although some of the wallet's features will be able to be accessed by among its first users during a pilot phase this year. Among the first who will be able to get access to the app will be veterans who will be able to have access to their HM Armed Forces Veteran Card via their smartphone.
The government said it would make it easier for their veteran status to be verified and allow them to access the support and benefits they are entitled to. The Gov.UK Wallet, will be available on i.OS and Android devices.
The digital driving licence will be viewed as an equal version of the traditional plastic licence and will be accepted as a form of ID. But those who already own plastic licences will still be able to use them as drivers are not being forced to get rid of their existing cards.
Physical licences will continue to be issued with digital licences being optional in the early phase of its release. The digital licence app does offer additional advantages such as being able to review their driving record, endorsements as well as renewing the licence, all in a single place.
People will be able to view penalty points on the app which will also feature an encryption and two-factor authentication in a bid to make forgery more difficult to accomplish 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 Walley is "underpinned" by security and identity verification measures.
It added: "Using a single sign on also means accessing government services will be much more straightforward, saving individuals and businesses money and hours of frustration so they can focus on what matters."
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