Digital driving licence changes could leave all Britons in 'tricky situation' ahead of nationwide rollout
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Experts are warning of the cybersecurity issues that could be seen ahead of the rollout of new digital driving licences later this year.
British motorists will soon be able to store their driving licences digitally on their phones as part of the new GOV.UK Wallet initiative.
The digital driving licence will be one of the first documents available through the new system, Science Secretary Peter Kyle has announced.
The move will allow drivers to easily prove their age when purchasing restricted items both online and in person, as well as verifying their right to drive.
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The digital driving licence will be accepted alongside the original photocard licenceXHowever, security experts have raised concerns about potential risks associated with the digital transition.
William Fletcher, Managing Director at car.co.uk, warns: "Despite their advantages, digital driving licences come with potential drawbacks, particularly regarding privacy and cybersecurity risks.
"Storing sensitive information on mobile devices increases the risk of data breaches and hacking, something which can happen to anyone no matter how good your phone security is.
"While most people know that we use our licenses for driving and identification purposes, we also use them for domestic flights, which could leave passengers in a tricky situation if their phone fails."
The new digital format will incorporate advanced security features built into modern smartphones, including facial recognition checks similar to those used for digital bank card payments.
The GOV.UK Wallet has been designed with security as a priority, ensuring digital documents remain protected even if a device is lost.
Users will be able to access their digital credentials immediately after successful application, eliminating the wait for postal delivery.
The system will be underpinned by GOV.UK One Login's security and identity verification measures, and ensure documents can only be accessed by authorised individuals.
Despite this, Fletcher notes potential accessibility issues, saying: "Reliance on technology means that drivers without smartphones or those experiencing technical issues, such as battery failure or app malfunctions, may face difficulties proving their licence when required."
The digital format will be available on both iOS and Android devices, operating alongside traditional physical licences which will continue to be issued.
This dual approach ensures that motorists will have flexibility in how they choose to present their credentials while maintaining access to traditional documentation methods.
The GOV.UK Wallet initiative extends far beyond driving licences, with plans to incorporate a wide range of Government-issued documents by the end of 2027.
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The GOV.UK digital driving licence app will also show motorists a tax reminder
GOV.UK
Digital Veteran Cards will be among the first credentials available later this year, preceding the driving licence pilot.
By 2027, the system will include additional documents such as DBS checks and all other Government-issued credentials for those who choose to use them.
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