Digital UK driving licences are coming but motorists point out one major flaw
The Government has revealed that drivers will soon be able to store their driving licence on their phone as part of a wider rollout of a digital documents app - but it seems not everyone is on board with the change
Brits have voiced their concerns over the impending introduction of digital driving licences, set to be part of the government's GOV.UK Wallet and App this summer. Danny Smith, who operates Danny's Driving School, took to TikTok to clarify what it will entail for drivers, but his revelation didn't go down well with some.
"So basically you're going to have this app with all your official documents on there," he began in a video. "So you're going to be able to store a digital copy of your driving licence just like you do on your Apple Wallet with your cards."
Danny continued: "It can be used in all the same ways and there's extra security measures that are going to be in place. It will also include things like DBS checks - it's inevitable that all this was going to happen. It seems like a great idea to me, but let me know what you think about it."
And it's safe to say not everyone is as enthusiastic as the driving instructor. Many TikTok user highlighted the same issue – what if you don't own a smartphone, or your device runs out of battery?
"Sick of all these apps on phones, what if people don't have smartphones?" one person pondered. "I'd rather have a physical card. Feel sorry for the elderly who don't use smartphones."
"What if your phone dies?" queried several others. Another person agreed: "I'd rather have physical ID. If your phone dies you have nothing and nothing is safe forever online."
Others expressed other fears about the potential risks of the system, with one saying: "I won't do it, cyber attacks and hackers etc will definitely get into it." Another commented: "I'd rather not. I hate all this stuff makes me feel like I'm on Big Brother."
Whilst a further critic argued: "I will never sign up for this, I don't even trust banking apps on my phone... Oh yeah you lose your phone or it gets stolen all your ID is there for the taking."
Some welcomed the move as a positive development, meanwhile. "I think it's a positive, more convenient for most people. People love to moan," one said.
A second supporter of the plans added: "This is absolutely fine by me. I cannot understand the conspiracy that it's a government ploy to monitor us. They've already got all the information anyway."
A third TikTok user in favour said: "I would like that because currently my driving licence is my only easy form of ID." Whilst a fourth joked: "Fab for us who are pushing 30 and still get IDed for energy drinks!"
The Government's website explains the concept in more detail: "Brits will be given the option to use a digital version of their driver's licence from their phone to easily prove their age when buying age restricted items online and in person – as well as proving their right to drive.
"A mobile driver's licence will be one of the first digital documents in a GOV.UK Wallet launched later this year and will ultimately allow people to prove their age from their phone in shops or online."
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander added of the change: "This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID. 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."
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