23 key questions answered about digital driver’s licences, being rolled out across Victoria in May

Millions of Victorian motorists will be able to have their driver’s licences on their smartphones in May, but confusion reigns over how they will work. Here are the answers to 23 big questions.

Millions of motorists across Victoria will be able to show their driver’s licence on their smartphones in May, as the government’s digital licence trial is rolled out statewide.

It follows a six-month trial in Ballarat, in which 15,000 people downloaded their licences to the Service Victoria app or the myVicRoads app.

More than 4.5 million fully licensed Victorian drivers will be eligible for the program, while learners and P-plate drivers will be eligible to access their digital licence by 2025.

But will the digital licence system be a hit or miss for Victorians and the government?

Certainly in Queensland, where digital licences were made widely available on November 1 last year, there have been hiccups.

There have been some hiccups with digital licences in Queensland.

And the take-up has not been as enthusiastic in the Sunshine State as expected, with fewer than 10 per cent of Queenslanders who are registered to drive signed up for the digital licence app (which cost its taxpayers $53 million to develop) by the end of January 2024.

The Queensland app launch also had a bumpy start with 15,000 people signing up on the first day and many being hit with an “unexpected error” message.

And while people were made aware that, just like a physical licence, a digital licence could be used for legal entry into pubs, clubs, restaurants, applying for rentals and buying properties, some did not know that when travelling overseas there could be restrictions and they had to check with the country’s authorities to ensure its validity.

Digital licences will record any restrictions on your driver’s licence.

The digital licences can be used as ID for entry to clubs, pubs and hotels. Picture: Achilles Prinos Photography

Here are some of some of the biggest questions and answers about digital licences.

The Herald Sun has contacted the Department of Transport with additional questions about security and the potential for breaches, among other areas flagged by Victorians as being of possible concern.

What is a digital licence?

A digital licence is a quick, easy way to provide your licence status, access information to verify your identity or prove you are over 18, using just your smartphone.

You can use your digital licence to prove your right to drive, as proof you’re over 18 at licensed venues or anywhere else you need to prove your identity, such as retailers or hotels.

Could someone hack or forge my digi licence?

It’s unlikely. When you use your digital licence, the information comes from the Victorian Licensing Registry and is sent straight to your phone. People who need to check your licence will do a visual check or scan a unique QR code that shows them real time information. This means it would be very hard for anyone to forge a digital driver's licence. Because your details go straight to your phone, there’s nothing on servers to put your information at risk. The QR code connects to your records every time the code gets refreshed. Each code is unique and lasts just two minutes. After that, you need to refresh again to update your information. This helps protect against fraud.

How do I get it?

Your digital driver’s licence can be accessed directly and for free from the myVicRoads or Service Victoria apps. You’ll need to download the app you use through the Apple App Store or Google Play. Then you’ll need to create an account and log in. Be sure to turn on notifications so you can find out when they launch.

Has a firm date been set for me to get mine?

No not yet, we just know it will be in May. You can download the app now in preparation, however. You’ll get a notice when your digital licence is ready to use.

How do I show my new phone licence?

Many licence checkers will do a quick visual check of your digital licence. To show your licence: Select the most appropriate screen for the check taking place — age, identity, or licence, pull down on your screen to refresh, show the hologram and show the QR code if asked. The person checking your licence will line up the camera on their device to scan the QR code. If your licence is valid, your details will show up on their screen.

I’m on P or L plates, can I get one?

Digital learner permits and probationary licences are coming later in the year. To start, digital licences will only be available for full licence holders.

How will businesses use digital licences?

For businesses, digital driver’s licences can provide verified information with a scan of a QR code. The digital driver’s licence features a secure QR code which can be scanned to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use. Businesses, authorities and others will be able to check a licence is valid using their smartphones.

Will all businesses be ready for my digital licence?

The government has warned that it may take time for some businesses to update their processes to accept digital licences, so Victorians should continue to carry their physical licences as the new system is rolled out.

How secure is a digital driver’s licence?

Victorians have been assured the security of drivers’ private information is top priority, and their digital driver's licences will be secure in the app they choose.

“It can only be seen by you and whoever you choose to share it with. To protect your privacy, you decide if you want to share all — or just some — of your licence data. You control the personal information you share with licence verifiers based on why you are using it.”

Information you can share with your digital driver’s licence?

There are three levels of information you can share.

1. Full licence: This view shows info about your right to drive. You can share this view when you need to show police things such as your licence status or restrictions.

2. Identity: This shows your basic ID info — name, address and signature.

3. Proof of age: This view shows that you’re over 18. It won’t show your exact age or date of birth. In addition, the app is protected by the security features of your phone, including biometrics such as thumb or face scan. If you lose your physical licence, you can still access your licence via your phone.

What if I’m concerned about my safety and privacy?

Victorians who are very concerned about their personal safety and privacy, such as those who have experienced family violence can contact VicRoads through the dedicated phone line 1300 031 292 or email [e-mail]

You can leave your contact number if the telephone line is unavailable or unattended. The service also supports agencies acting on behalf of affected persons.

Can I still use my physical licence if I don’t have a smartphone?

Yes – all licence holders will continue to be issued with a physical card. The digital driver's licence doesn’t replace your physical licence and is completely optional. If you don’t have a smartphone, you’ll still be able to use your physical licence and there is no suggestion physical cards will be made redundant, anytime soon at least. You will need to renew your licence as usual to ensure it remains current.

Once downloaded, can I use my digital licence immediately?

In most locations, yes you will be able to but patience may be needed because many establishments will still be in the process of including the digital driver’s licence in their systems once the rollout is live. Victorians are urged to carry their physical licences also, to avoid any potential issues.

How does my digital licence get verified?

Licence checkers can do a quick visual check of your digital licence but can scan the QR code with their device if they need further verification. The QR code connects to your licence record. The QR code is refreshed every two minutes, so the code is always unique. You can pull down on the screen to refresh the code manually. Scanning the QR code will confirm if your licence is valid.

Must I hand over my phone when my licence is being checked?

No. If someone needs to check your licence, you don’t need to hand them your phone. Just tilt your screen towards them to show the details on your screen, or the QR code for them to scan. In the app, you can enlarge the code by tapping on it if you need to or pull down to refresh the screen. Always ensure you maintain control of your device and only let the verifier view your details or scan the QR code.

What if I need to share a copy of my licence?

Right now, there’s no way for you to share a copy of your digital licence. Businesses shouldn’t hold on to copies of your details unless they really need to, as keeping copies of this type of information is a fraud risk. It’s not recommended screen shots of digital licences be shared.

How does the hologram work?

The hologram on a digital licence is similar to the one on a physical card. If you tilt your phone side to side, you’ll see the image move and shimmer.

What if a scan of my licence throws up an error?

For now, digital licences need internet access to work. An error will appear if you or the person checking your licence has trouble connecting to the internet. If this happens, use your physical licence card for scanning instead. An error might also appear if your licence is expired, cancelled or suspended.

What if I have a full licence and a learner permit for another vehicle type?

Initially, only your full licence/s will be available as a digital licence (including motorcycle and heavy vehicle licences). When learner permits and probationary licences become available, you will be able to access all your licence/s (including probationary) and any learner permit in the app.

Can I remove the digital licence from my phone app later?

For Victorian full licence holders, the digital licence will appear automatically in the app, however, you can choose to “opt out” by toggling it off in app settings if you do not want it to appear.

What happens if there’s no internet or phone reception?

It’s recommended that you carry your physical licence, especially if you are concerned about your battery, network or internet coverage. The introduction of a digital driver's licence doesn’t change the obligation of some drivers (eg heavy vehicle and drivers aged less than 26) to carry their physical licence with them at all times.

Will my digital licence update automatically?

Yes. Your digital driver's licence updates automatically in response to any changes on your licence record, such as new licence conditions or a change of address.

I downloaded the app, do I need to register also?

Customers no longer need to register their interest to access their digital licence. If you’ve downloaded the app and you’re eligible for a digital licence, you don’t need to do anything further. Once your digital licence is available, it will appear in the app.

What if the app doesn’t work for me?

Check to see if your Operating System (OS) installed on your device needs any version updates and try again.

Sources: VicRoads and Service Victoria