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Topics: UK News, Travel, Technology
Anish Vij
Anyone with a driving licence in Britain has a decision to make after a new technological change is set to rollout this year affecting 50 million people.
The government reckons it will save them £45 billion, and it might make your life that bit more convenient.
If you're old enough, you'll remember how much of a faff it was to keep that paper driving licence around with you.
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Not only would the text smudge off, the flimsy piece of paper was easy to lose, and would often be found in your jacket pocket or buried in the glove compartment.
So the change to smaller physical cards in 1998 that could fit in your wallet was welcome to many. As long as you don't misplace your card holder on a night out, you're good.
However, in the digital age, the need for physical cards are becoming a thing of the past.
No more physical rail tickets, boarding passes, or even credit cards, as everything can be stored in digital wallet on your smartphone.
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Having everything in one certainly place makes it easier, as long as you know how to use a phone.
That's why the UK government is launching the GOV.UK Wallet and App 'to simplify access to services and documents like digital driver’s licences'.
They estimate that the change could 'save £45 billion and drive efficiency and growth'.
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In summer, the new GOV.UK app will make it easier to apply for childcare and replace a lost passport.
The GOV.UK wallet will also be launched around the same time and kick off with a digital Veteran card. An 'early version' of the digital driving licence will be added later this year.
There's no word yet on what they mean by 'early version', or when exactly in the year it will be launched yet.
The switch, which is optional, was confirmed by a Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) spokesman.
"The GOV.UK Wallet will be launched this summer with the first credential being a digital Veteran card," they told This is Money.
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"Later in the year, we plan to begin rolling out a digital driving licence, which will eventually be usable for everything your paper licence is currently used for.
"We're working closely with DVLA and industry to meet this timeline."
Brits will basically be given the option to use a digital version of their driver’s licence from their phone.
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The government say this is 'to easily prove their age when buying age restricted items online and in person – as well as proving their right to drive'.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID.
"The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure.
"We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone."