Digital driver's licence allows you to access ID on your smartphone
A major change to driver's licences and photo IDs has come into effect across NSW today but it has been a bumpy transition for eager users trying to access Service NSW.
NSW
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The Service NSW smartphone app crashed following the long-awaited digital driver's licence rollout.
Users reported seeing a “we’re a little busy” message after downloading the app in an effort to access their photo ID on their phone.
When contacted by The Daily Telegraph about the delays, Service NSW denied the rollout had officially begun.
“The NSW Government will soon announce the state wide rollout of the Digital Driver Licence. We are currently testing the technology for early adopters,” A Department of Customer Service spokesman said.
Labor’s spokeswoman for better public services Sophie Cotsis said: “How can it be the case that this is so late and still so clearly not ready? Liberal Minister Victor Dominello was right when he said he was worried about stability. The app keeps crashing.”
“I’m not convinced that this is a reliable platform yet. I won’t be getting a digital drivers licence until we’re all sure the system is stable. You can’t blame anyone that waits,” she added.
Mr Dominello said the digital driver licence is available to early adopters.
“We encourage people to jump on board and many already have, giving it an exceptional 97 per cent satisfaction rating,” he said.
“Give us your feedback while we fine tune this product.”
There had been about 50,000 downloads of the digital license by late Tuesday afternoon.
The transition to digital has been years in the making after 14,000 people in Dubbo, Albury and Sydney’s eastern suburbs took part in a trial program.
An independent research company found 83 per cent of users found the smartphone licences were easy to use and convenient.
In the biggest overhaul of licences for 30 years, the smartphone app is valid for roadside police checks and ID entry into pubs and clubs, but users are encouraged to continue carrying plastic licenses until venues become used to the new form of identification.
NSW residents will still need to use their plastic card when interstate or overseas.
To access the free app, drivers will need to register a MyServiceNSW account and download the digital licence.
Labor’s spokeswoman for better public services Sophie Cotsis said: “How can it be the case that this is so late and still so clearly not ready? Liberal Minister Victor Dominello was right when he said he was worried about stability. The app keeps crashing.”
“I’m not convinced that this is a reliable platform yet. I won’t be getting a digital drivers licence until we’re all sure the system is stable. You can’t blame anyone that waits,” she added.
Originally published as Digital driver's licence allows you to access ID on your smartphone