Victoria to adopt digital driver licences by next year

Victoria has announced plans to trial the option of digital driver licences, ahead of a broader roll-out of the technology by next year – in the wheel tracks of NSW and South Australia.

A trial is due to commence in July 2023 in the regional centre of Ballarat, with the Victorian Government today announcing a goal of a "statewide roll-out by 2024."

The trial is said to be in place for the relevant governing bodies to assess the security of personal information, as well as the accessibility of the service.

Under the new system, drivers will be able to store a digital copy of their licence within the Service Victoria or forthcoming myVicRoads smartphone applications.

This digital copy will automatically update to reflect changes in address details, new endorsements or potential suspensions or cancellations.

Initially, the digital licence program will only be available to full licence holders, with learner and provisional (P-plate) drivers still required to carry their physical licence with them at all times.

Victoria will be the third state to offer digital driver licences, with South Australia first rolling out the technology in October 2017, followed by NSW, which trialled the system in Dubbo in 2017 before adopting it statewide in 2019.

Queensland is currently trialling the service.

While all states prohibit the handheld use of mobile phones while driving, you are able to use your phone to present your licence when directed to by a law enforcement or other official.

In a media statement, Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne said: "We know Victorians want digital driver licences and that’s why this trial is such a big step before further rollout occurs."

"A digital driver licence will make it easier and more convenient for Victorian motorists and it will help businesses and authorities to verify identity with minimum time and fuss."