Millions of UK drivers could soon be caught out by a major change being implemented by the DVLA. Over half of UK motorists told a recent survey they had no idea about the change, which will be rolled out in the coming months.
From this summer, a new digital driving licence service is expected to be introduced, allowing drivers to show their photo ID on mobile devices instead of carrying the physical card when travelling. Despite the announcement being made back in January, a poll conducted by Regtransfers, a private number plate supplier, found 57% of the 1,000 people surveyed were not aware of the coming innovation.
Though digital cards will be available to drivers, physical documents will still be in use and remain acceptable to carry when driving.
Regtransfers CEO Mark Trimbee said: “There’s no escaping the fact that our lives are being lived in an increasingly digitised space. 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. 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.
“The more informed people are, the more confident they’ll feel about using these new tools.
He added: “I think people should be free to choose whatever they feel most comfortable with.
“While a digital driving licence certainly would be convenient in many cases, a card licence doesn’t run the risk of being completely inaccessible if my phone breaks or runs out of battery.”
The gov.uk wallet will be available on iOS and Android devices, providing access to digital documents which can be used in the same manner as physical copies.
A mobile driver’s license will be released on a pilot scheme later in the year, while all government services will be required to offer a digital alternative alongside physical credentials by the end of 2027.
These reforms were set out by the blueprint for digital government.