Why is the UK introducing a digital driving license? And when will the change happen?

Britain will introduce digital driving licenses as the government looks to use technology to “transform public services”.

The digital license can be accepted as an ID when voting, buying alcohol or boarding domestic flights.

Physical licenses will still be issued and the new digital identity will not be mandatory. Most importantly, the government will not stop the introduction of mandatory national identity cards, which were advocated by former prime ministers Tony Blair and William Hague.

Nearly 50 million Britons hold a provisional or full driving licence. The photocard driving license was introduced to the UK in 1998. Until this requirement was lifted in 2015, it had to be used in conjunction with a paper sample.

Here’s everything we know so far about the digital driver’s license:

Why is the government implementing digital driving licenses?

A government spokesperson said: “This government is committed to using technology to make people’s lives easier and transform public services.

Technology now makes it possible for digital identities to be more secure than physical identities, but we remain clear that they will not be mandatory.

When will it be available?

Ministers are reportedly set to unveil plans for digital driving licenses this week.

Permits are said to be available through a new government program, possibly by the end of this year The Times. Officials have stressed that digital licensing will not be mandatory.

How will you access the digital driver’s license?

According to reports, the digital wallet containing the license is accessed through a government program that has security measures similar to bank programs. According to reports, it cannot be accessed via Apple or Android wallets.

There will also be safeguards in place to ensure that only the authorized person can access it, and it is understood that this will be possible through the built-in security features of smartphones.

Possible features include allowing users to hide their addresses in certain locations, such as shops or bars.

The French government has introduced a law that allows drivers to carry a valid electronic copy of their driver’s license and ID card with them through an official mobile app. EU member states are required to introduce at least one type of digital ID by 2026.

An image of the new digital driving license in France (AFP via Getty Images)

Keir Starmer last week unveiled plans to champion AI, describing it as a “unique opportunity” to boost growth and improve living standards.

Tech entrepreneur Matt Clifford has written an AI Opportunities Action Plan, whose recommendations have been accepted by ministers. The plan aims to improve the UK’s use of AI technology.

Sir Keir said: “Harnessing AI and using it to deliver your plan for change requires ambition, purpose and focus.

“This is a unique opportunity to boost growth, raise living standards, transform public services, create the businesses of the UK and deliver our plan for change.”

Among the recommendations the government has accepted is a commitment to set six-month plans to improve the UK’s AI infrastructure.

Ministers plan to increase the UK’s “sovereign” AI capacity by 20 times by 2030 and provide “advanced supercomputing facilities” for research purposes.