The NSW Government is expanding its digital driver’s licence trial to the Eastern suburbs of Sydney in addition to its ongoing regional trial in Dubbo.

The NSW Government has announced that by November this year, residents in Bondi, Bondi Junction, Bronte, Clovelly, Coogee, Randwick and Waverley (or postcodes 2022, 2024, 2026, 2031 and 2034) which is more than 140,000 residents will have been invited to participate in the ‘metro’ digital driver licence trial. The current trial in Dubbo (in place since 2017) is ongoing, so far, only 1400 residents have signed up to use a digital driver licence.

Participants who opt-in can use their DDL, accessible on a mobile phone, for proof of identity and proof of age to gain entry into pubs and clubs as well for roadside police checks in the trial area. Participants will still need to carry their plastic driver licence for use outside the trial area.

Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said, “Smartphones have become de facto wallets and we’re using cutting edge technology so that drivers can use a digital licence in everyday scenarios,” Mr Dominello said.

“Parliament has approved new laws to enable a state-wide rollout of the technology. This trial will bring us a step closer to delivering on that promise.” 

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the digital licence will provide increased protection against identity fraud compared to the physical driver licence. However, as this is a trial, drivers who opt-in will still need to carry their physical driver licence with them.

In a statement, Service NSW said, “The trial will test the convenience and functionality of the digital driver licence. It will also help identify any changes that may be needed to support the state-wide roll-out in 2019”.

Question: Should NSW be marching towards a digital driver licence?