New data has revealed that millions of motorists are unaware that the Government will be rolling out digital driving licences later this year.
Around 57 per cent of British road users do not know that digital driving licences will be launching this year, despite a high-profile announcement in January.
Motorists will be able to access their digital licence through the new GOV.UK Wallet, with a national rollout expected in the summer.
While it will not replace the physical photocard licence, Britons will be able to use the digital version on their phone to prove their age and right to drive.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
The GOV.UK Wallet will roll out digital driving licences later this year
PA/GOV.UK
A study found that only 43 per cent of people were aware of the upcoming digital ID changes, even though the rules are set to launch soon.
Mark Trimbee, CEO of Regtransfers, said drivers could not escape the changing landscape of digital assets, like the GOV.UK Wallet.
He added: "Putting our driving licences on our phones feels like a natural next step, especially when so many of us already rely on mobiles for everything from banking to boarding passes.
"That said, a driving licence isn't just another app - it's a key part of our identity."
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology estimates that the Government Digital Service will save the taxpayer £45billion in efficiency savings.
To quell any security concerns, the technology will make use of smartphone features, including facial recognition checks.
By the end of 2027, the GOV.UK Wallet will include Veteran Cards, DBS checks and every other credential issued by the Government, alongside traditional physical documents.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle said the changes would help all Britons save on unnecessary paperwork and make it easier for people to prove their licence with something they always have with them - their phone.
Trimbee echoed these points, saying that people will be more keen to use the GOV.UK Wallet once they know more about the service and its features.
He added: "Our data shows that a lot of people still don't know much about the Government's proposed changes.
"That kind of gap in awareness can naturally lead to concerns, or reluctance to adopt.
"It's important the Government takes the time to explain how it all works, what the benefits are, and - perhaps most importantly - how people's data will be kept safe."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Lotus to slash jobs as iconic British car brand blames 'volatile' auto market and Donald Trump's tariffs
- Britons risk traffic carnage over Easter with 19 million travelling on Good Friday - congestion hotspots named
- Labour rejects 'war on motorists' claim despite failing 20mph limits and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods
The GOV.UK digital driving licence app will also show motorists a tax reminder GOV.UKTransport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the new features as a "game changer" for millions of Britons who typically use their driving licence as an ID.
Other Government agencies, including the DVLA, have been working to improve digital services by increasing benefits for motorists, specifically through the "Driver and vehicle account".
