SYDNEY, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Soon drivers in the Australian State of New South Wales (NSW) may not be required to carry a physical license with them, with a new scheme offering a Digital Drivers Licence (DDL) option accessed via smartphone.
The announcement coincided with the release of the NSW State budget on Tuesday and the NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said it signals his government's willingness to keep up with technology.
"Innovation is at the heart of this budget and nothing shows this more than the rollout of the Digital Driver Licence," Perrottet said.
Following a successful trial of the DDL involving 14,000 participants in select regions, the trial will now be expanded state-wide.
Operating on an opt-in basis only, participants will be able to use their DDL for proof of age when gaining access to licensed venues and proof of identity during interactions with police.
"Smartphones have become de facto wallets and we're using cutting edge technology so that drivers can use a digital licence in everyday scenarios," Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said.
"The DDL is hosted securely on the new service NSW app, locks with a PIN and can be accessed offline. It will provide additional levels of security and protection against identity fraud, compared to the plastic driver licence."
While the extended trial continues, drivers will still be required to carry a physical version of their licence in addition to the DDL. Enditem
Latest comments