The DVLA has revealed that its is currently working on a digital version of the driving license which can be stored on smartphones.
DVLA CEO Oliver Morley tweeted a picture showing the prototype of the new system and what it could look like. For those of you who are technophobes or fear change, don't worry as the system will not be replacing the traditional photocard licenses we already own, the digital version would simply be an add-on.
The system would be implemented as a smartphone app and would also work within Apple's Wallet app which stores data such as card details, boarding passes and other key information that is available at your fingertips.
At this moment in time it has not been confirmed when this new technology will be available to the public but this new system has been made possible by the discontinuation of paper counterparts in June 2015.
A welcome change
The RAC welcomes this change, spokesperson Simon Williams commented: “Plans to take the driving licence digital make a lot of practical sense – after all the paper-based counterpart licence and tax disc were both phased out, albeit with a few issues. It is not going to mean the photocard licence disappears anytime soon though. Drivers will still need to be able to prove their identity with a physical card in the event of their smartphone battery failing.
“A natural fear will be that anything digital is more open to interference and hacking, so the security of drivers’ identities must be at the top of the DVLA’s list as they develop this tool.”
CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood also feels the new change makes sense, stating: CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood said: "Security has taken a significant step forward to support digital payments on phones, so the framework is in place for other secure applications, such as a digital driving licence.
"There are not many people in the UK that do not carry a smartphone with them every day, so it is a logical next step."