TRANSPORT

DIGITAL driving licences could be introduced from 2022 – raising the prospect that traditional physical documents could be phased out.

A trial will involve learners’ provisional licences being made available in electronic form, including through an app.

It has been revealed by the UK Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, who disclosed that it was part of post-Brexit plans to make transport “fairer, greener and more efficient”.

If the trial is successful, it is understood full driving licences could also be digitised.

The move is part of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s strategic plan for 2021–2024, meaning digital licences may not be available until 2024. Although the DVLA said plastic cards would continue to be available, it has raised fears officials will “switch the whole thing digital”. The trial start date has not yet been decided.

Motoring groups have said this would be disastrous for older drivers without internet access or who struggle online. AA president Edmund King said: “We envisage that many, particularly older drivers, will want to stick to paper or card driving licences as they don’t all have mobile phones.

“Digital driving may suit many, but it should sit alongside the traditional driving licences for some time to come.”

A spokesperson for the charity RAC Foundation, said: “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 Department of Transport said development of digital licences was prevented before Brexit due to prohibitions under EU law.