3 days ago
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Victoria will complete its rollout of digital licences on 19 November, with drivers on their Ls and Ps able to make the switch too.
Drivers who are learners or still in their probationary period can access a digital copy of their licence from next week.
From 19 November, those on their Ls or Ps in Victoria will be able to add a digital version of their licence details to their smartphone via the My VicRoads or Service Victoria smartphone apps.
Victorians can use the digital licence as proof of age or identification at stores, clubs and other venues.
The digital licence includes the VicRoads file photo, key address and identity information, plus a clever digital hologram and ‘decaying’ QR code that helps prevent fraudulent activity by way of screenshots or captured images.
However, unlike fully-licensed drivers, learner and probationary drivers still legally need to carry their physical licence on them when they're behind the wheel.
Even then, it is still recommended that full licence holders carry it because if your smartphone isn't working at the time it is considered an offence – unless you have a reasonable excuse – and you'll be hit with a $192 fine.
While Victoria has introduced the technology for those on their Ls and Ps sooner than planned – with an initial target date set for early 2025 – the state has trailed behind others, with Queensland and New South Wales having rolled out digital licensing after South Australia was the first state to offer the technology in 2017.
The Northern Territory plans a trial program for 2025, while Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have yet to make the change.
Victoria’s introduction came following a six-month trial in Ballarat – which saw some drivers surnames misspelt and security concerns around fraud and identity theft fuelled by the hacking of 2600 mySA GOV (South Australia) accounts in 2021.
A born-and-bred newshound, Kathryn has worked her way up through the ranks reporting for, and later editing, two renowned UK regional newspapers and websites, before moving on to join the digital newsdesk of one of the world’s most popular newspapers – The Sun. More recently, she’s done a short stint in PR in the not-for-profit sector, and led the news team at Wheels Media.
