Digital drivers licences to be rolled out statewide next year

Digital drivers licence are set to be trialled in a north Queensland region by the end of year, ahead of a statewide rollout of the technology in 2023.

Digital drivers licences will be rolled out in Townsville by the end of this year ahead of the technology being deployed statewide next year.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey will on Thursday announce the state government has signed a contract with Thales Australia & New Zealand to finalise the development and delivery of a digital licence app.

It follows the success of a 2020 trial of digital licences in the Fraser Coast region, where there was a 94 per cent user satisfaction rating.

Under the digital shake up, Queenslanders will be able to display their drivers licence on their smartphone – allowing them to ditch the plastic card entirely.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Mr Bailey said the digital licence app would be trialled in the Townsville region later this year, and would be rolled out across Queensland next year.

“The app is being upgraded based on feedback from the Fraser Coast pilot, as well as adding new functionality and options to make sure we are meeting the needs of the people who use it,” he said.

“It’s exciting for Townsville to be the first major town to trial this new technology, covering a larger area and more diverse population than previous testing.

“We have involved customers and user testing at every phase of the project, from the initial planning and development, through trials and testing, and on to the final rollout.”

Queenslanders will be able to use the digital licence when travelling overseas, because it complies with international standards.

A digital licence. Picture: TMR

Mr Bailey said Thales was collaborating with Brisbane-based businesses Aliva and Code Heroes to deliver the app.

“Thales’ combined bid with Code Heroes and Aliva means we can continue to adopt international best-practice solutions, while also showcasing Queensland’s technology sector to the world,” the Minister said.

Digital drivers licences are already available in both NSW and South Australia.

The 2020 Fraser Coast trial of digital licences lasted seven months, and involved more than 750 residents and 120 businesses.

Originally published as Digital drivers licences to be rolled out statewide next year