More Victorians to trial state government’s digital licence scheme

A six-month trial of Victoria’s new digital licences is set to be expanded from next month, with more drivers able to add their ID to their smartphones.

Victorian motorists will be able to add their driver’s licences to their smartphones in a matter of weeks.

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

The government on Saturday announced the scheme will now be expanded statewide from May.

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.

Digital licences will automatically reveal if a licence has been revoked or suspended but will still be available for use to prove identity or age when it is not active.

Consultation will now ramp up with businesses and organisations who rely on photo identification – including bars, restaurants, Victoria Police and Australia Post.

Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said the digital cards will make it easier for Victorians to go about their day-to-day life.

An example of what the digital driver’s licences will look like in Victoria. Picture: supplied

Ms Horne said the government had undertaken work during the Ballarat trial to ensure the digital cards could be protected from hackers.

“These sorts of incidents are going to occur and we do have to walk into this with our eyes wide open,” she said.

“What’s incumbent on us is to make sure we have done the work to make sure this platform is absolutely as secure as possible.”

Government Services Minister Gabrielle Williams said the digital licences have undergone rigorous privacy and security testing.

The licences will be fitted with a hologram and a timed QR code that businesses and authorities can scan to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use.

Ms Williams said Victorians had been calling out for the option to digitise their licence.

“This is a very exciting opportunity now for all Victorians,” she said.

“The feedback we’ve got is that it’s easy to use, that it’s a much more streamlined validation process … and that obviously delivers enormous benefits.”

Victorians who have downloaded the Services Victoria or VicRoads apps will automatically receive their licence once it has been processed.