First look at how new driving licences will appear for 50,000,000 Britons

Motorists will be able to access their driving licence on their phone later this year, when the government is due to launch its digital wallet.

The wallet will accompany a new Gov.uk app, which will aim make it easier to check when your MOT is due, keep track of benefits payments, or register to vote.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle unveiled how the software will look this afternoon, ahead of its anticipated release this summer.

There was an early blunder as the example of a driving licence in screenshots sent out to journalists appeared to contain Kyle’s actual licence number.

Officials at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology quickly withdrew the images when Metro asked if that was the case.

Veteran cards will be the first official documents to be available in the wallet, to be followed by an ‘early version’ of the digital driving licence.

Ultimately, users will be able to insert phone-based versions of Blue Badges, PIP letters, DBS checks and every other credential issued by the government.

Kyle said: ‘Along with CDs, the Walkman and flip phones, the overflowing drawer rammed with letters from the government and hours spent on hold to get a basic appointment will soon be consigned to history.

‘Gov.uk Wallet will mean that every letter or identity document you receive from the government could be issued to you virtually.

‘For people who choose to use Gov.uk Wallet, they will find it easier to prove they’re entitled to benefits or check their age when buying alcohol or DIY equipment, with more security and trust than ever before.’

Describing the digital driving licence as a ‘game changer’ for the millions of people who use the document as ID, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: ‘The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure.’

Recent guidance published by Ofcom also suggested such forms of digital ID could be used by porn websites to verify the age of their users when new legislation comes into effect this year.

Meanwhile, the separate Gov.uk app will bring together a range of government services in one place.

Users will be able to pay vehicle tax, find apprenticeships and cancel a stolen passport more quickly instead of scrolling through page after page of the government’s official site.

Both services will be available to download for Apple or Android devices.

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