Motorists warned of 'digital' driving licence issues as Britons 'may wish to consider' extra road permits
Motorists still need a physical driving licence in the UK
X/DVLAgovuk
Experts are warning drivers and businesses that they could face issues with driving licences abroad as digital forms of identification become more popular around the world.
Digital driving licences are not valid in the UK, although they are legal and used in other nations including Australia, New Zealand and a handful of US states.
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has issued a warning to motorists and businesses as it may be harder for a rental company to verify that a licence is genuine.
The BVRLA stated: "There is nothing within the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic at Annexes 6 or 7 about the validity of a digital permit, nor is there anything within other pertinent legislation.
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Countries around the world are embracing digital licences and ID cards
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"Members may wish to consider adding something to their booking process, stating that a digital driving licence is not accepted in the UK and therefore a physical licence will need to be presented and/or an International Driving Permit."
In Queensland, drivers can use the "Digital Licence" app, although all motorists will continue to be sent physical cards.
To be eligible, they must have a current driving licence (or a licence that has expired, been suspended or cancelled less than two years ago), a marine licence, or a photo ID card.
The legislation has been in place since 2020 and allows residents of Queensland to legally use the digital licence in place of a physical licence.
New Zealand recently rolled out the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) app to allow drivers to pay for vehicle registration and road user charges. Future updates will make it easier to pay tolls and view vehicle safety ratings.
Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins said: "This App will reduce the barriers for Kiwis who want to interact with transport public services, making government more accessible.
“The Digital Drivers Licence is an important step towards digitising Government, which will ultimately lead us to better digital services and better outcomes for the public."
In contrast, British motorists looking to travel the globe and drive on holiday will need additional documents to ensure they can get on the road.
To drive in Australia and New Zealand, Britons will need a 1949 International Driving Permit, while a 1968 IDP is needed in Russia, South Africa and Turkey.
Motorists with an older, paper UK driving licence must take another form of photographic ID, like a passport.
The GOV.UK website states that drivers with a paper licence may need to show an IDP to their insurance company if they are involved in an accident.
Last year, the DVLA launched a new online account for motorists, allowing them to view their driving licence and vehicle details in one centralised place.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Drivers with older paper licences may need extra documents when travelling abroad
PADrivers are able to view their penalty points, vehicles registered to them, their MOT status, change their contact preferences and set up vehicle tax reminders.
Julie Lennard, chief executive of the DVLA, heralded the new innovation from the agency, adding that more features would be added in due course.
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