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Plastic driving licences could be phased out as DVLA trials new mobile app


Plastic driving licences could be phased out in coming years as part of a trial to make the system digital.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is aiming to develop an app featuring provisional licences, required by those learning to drive, by 2024.

It is understood that the technology could later be expanded to cover full licences.

A Department for Transport (DfT) source said the move was not possible before Brexit because of EU law.

Physical plastic cards will continue to be issued, but reports suggest that the more traditional version could be phased out over time.

In a separate move, MoT tests for cars will also be digitised, with booking systems and certificates all moved online.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘This is a golden chance to shake off the bureaucracy, invest in our future, and realise our potential with world-leading transport that benefits all of Britain.’

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, welcomed the move but suggested it could pose a safety risk.

He said: ‘These days the one thing drivers are most likely to have with them is their phone, so using it to carry their driver’s licence could be quite handy.

‘The risk is that the more personal data we store on our phones the more tempting a target they become for thieves and hackers.’

The DVLA’s strategic plan for 2021-24 states: ‘We will introduce a digital driving licence for provisional drivers and also start to build a customer account facility.

‘This will ultimately give our customers personalised, easy and secure access to a range of services and allow them more choice in how they transact with us.

‘Our services will be secure, scalable and resilient and we will continue to explore and expand the use of emerging technologies.’

Author: Faye Brown

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