Victoria stalls on digital driver’s licences as other states lead the way

Five years have passed since South Australia introduced digital driver’s licences, but Victoria’s licensing system is still lagging behind.

NSW introduced driver’s licences on smartphones in 2019.

Driver’s licences on smartphones are still out of sight for Victorian motorists, leaving the state years behind other jursidictions in embracing digital licensing.

No date has been set for motorists in Victoria having the option of storing their licence of their smartphone

The state is stalled even though South Australia has had the phone licence option since 2017.

And in NSW, almost 70 per cent of drivers – or 4 million people – have uploaded their licence to their phones since its introduction in October 2019.

Motorists told the Herald Sun that Victoria was stuck in neutral at a time when banking, medical records and vaccination certificates were easily available and widely accepted on digital devices.

Also in Victoria, recreational fishing licences were available on smartphones.

Victorian Transport Association chief executive Peter Anderson said the state’s licensing systems were antiquated and motorists were poorer for it.

“It‘s just a measure of where we’re at in our overall system of administration. We’re backward,’’ Mr Anderson said.

“Digital licensing isn’t the most important thing in terms of what’s happened in the licensing arena, but it’s a mark of where we’re at.’’

Mr Anderson wondered why South Australia was five years ahead.

“They (South Australia) are looking at world’s best practice, being creative and innovative. They planned for it. But in Victoria, oh hang on.’’

RACV spokeswoman Eleanor Colonico said the organisation would support any of the Department of Transport and Service Victoria’s moves into digital licensing.

“Any change that gives motorists more choice and convenience for how they manage their licensing is welcome,’’ Ms Colonico said.

A government spokeswoman said: “The Department of Transport and Service Victoria are progressing investigations into digital licensing.”

The NSW driver’s licence is available on smartphones through the state’s Service app, along with vehicle registration renewal, fines and demerits and registering Covid RAT results.

The digital licence is free and does not replace the plastic version.

The mySA GOV allows users to download driver’s, boating and firearms licences, as well as licences for tradies and security officers.