A first-of-its-kind trial of a Digital Drivers Licence trial has begun in Dubbo, with participating residents able to use their phone to order a drink or prove their identity to police.
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More than 1000 people have already signed up to take part and the government is hoping at least 2000 more will sign up before the trial ends in January.
Dubbo is the pilot site for a state-wide roll out of a digital licence in late-2018 and feedback is being sought from those participating in the scheme over the next two months.
Mr Dominello said the service was safe and convenient to use.
“The encryption technology we are using is the same as the banks use. It’s the same level of technology as when you are transferring money on your mobile,” he said.
“The beauty of a digital driver licence is you can’t lose it. If you lose your card you have to get a new one but a digital licence is virtual so even if you lose your phone, you can load it on you new one, or even log in on a friend’s phone.”
Dubbo MP Troy Grant and Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello became the first to put the system to the test on Monday, using it to prove their age at the Castlereagh Hotel.
There was a slight flaw as Mr Grant was initially told his licence had expired but it was found to be a problem with the reader, which was quickly overcome and Mr Grant’s identity was verified.
“I’m delighted that we’re trialing something new and fresh in Dubbo. No longer is Dubbo out of sight out of mind, it’s the first place the state government looks to trial things and to put investment,” Mr Grant said.
“It’s free, it’s easy. I’m not that technologically savvy but I was able to do it. All you have to do is get an account with Service NSW, follow some easy instructions and you’ve got your licence on your phone.”
Participants are required to carry their physical licence with them during the trial period.
Anyone living in the 2830 postcode of Dubbo can register to take part in the trial by visiting www.woolcott.com.au/ddl.
Service NSW Dubbo manager Paul Sutton said the government had been “pushing hard” to make the trial a success and prepare for it to become available to everyone in the state.
Mr Sutton said it was hoped the service would extended to include other uses than just hotels and police.
