A huge change is coming to Aussie drivers’ licenses.
A new trial being rolled out first in NSW, that could be opted nationwide, is aimed at strengthening digital security for Australian motorists.
The pilot program of the upgraded Digital Driver Licence aims to protect Aussies’ privacy by replacing digital ID cards with a QR code to keep personal details private.
The trial means patrons asked to verify their age at pubs and clubs in NSW will be able to present a QR code for scanning, that will confirm their details, instead of having to share theiir personal details such as their date of birth and address.
According to the NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib, the $11.5 upgrade on digital drivers’ licenses was an important move towards a more secure digital future for Aussie citizens.
MORE: Cars that built the Bathurst legend
“The next generation of the digital licence is here, and we’re looking forward to people taking part in the first release to help inform a wider rollout,” he said.
“This upgrade puts NSW motorists back in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing their personal information. The individual selects the information to be shared rather than the current practice of sharing too many personal details.
“We are building better services for the people of NSW and helping people safeguard their identity with stronger protections against fraud and misuse.
“The technology is safe and contactless, making it easier to sign in to venues and enjoy more time with friends and family on the other side of check-in.
“The update meets the latest international standards and with new security features makes it harder for someone else to misuse the licence holder’s identity.”
The trial has been first rolled out across Western Sydney and The Blue Mountains, with a planned statewide rollout across NSW in 2027.
It will on Thursday, be expanded into the Local Government Areas of Fairfield, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury and Camden.
MORE: 1000 beers: Bathurst camp insanity
Panthers Penrith Leagues Club is among the first of the venues to have the new ID trialled.
According to Dib more than 19,000 Western Sydney and Blue Mountains residents have already signed up to use the upgraded Digital Driver Licence.
Over the past 12 months, more than seven million people signed into pubs and clubs across the state, and 73,000 people on Anzac Day alone
Motorists in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains can register to upgrade their licence as part of the pilot via the Service NSW app.
Customers in the pilot can use their upgraded licence in their Service NSW app to generate a secure QR code to enter a participating registered club. With the customer’s consent, only the information required is shared with the venue, giving people greater control over their personal details.
Many Aussies are understandably concerned about the access bad actors might currently have to their private information. NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchinson said the new license would move to counter those fears.
“This is the next step in modernising the driver licence, by making it easier to use while also securing people’s personal details,” she said.
“Our work modernises the driver licence, keeping pace with technology and lifting it to the latest international standards.
“We’re giving motorists a better way to prove their identity, with stronger protections and less need to hand over their personal information.
“As more people choose digital services, we’re making sure the driver licence keeps pace with technology and gives motorists more confidence when they use it.”