Kiwis asked to help shape digital driver licences

Kiwis are one step closer to being able to carry digital drivers’ licences on their phones with public consultation on its design now underway, Associate Transport Minister James Meager and Digitising Government Minister Paul Goldsmith say.

“Digital drivers’ licences are an important step towards making everyday interactions with transport services faster, easier, and more secure. This is about giving people a practical new option to prove who they are and their right to drive, using technology many already carry with them every day,” Mr Meager says.

“Our Government is committed to fixing the basics and building the future, and that is exactly what these proposals would achieve. It is about creating a simpler, more joined-up system where people can manage their transport needs online and receive important information quickly.

“Putting people at the centre of the design is essential to getting this right. We want to hear people’s views on the proposed approach, including what would give them confidence in that system.”

“I want to assure Kiwis that the licences are being designed with privacy and security at their core, allowing users to share only the information required for a transaction,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“This will be entirely optional. People who prefer a physical licence can keep using one, while those who want the convenience of digital will have that choice.

“Public feedback is a vital step in making sure digital driver licences are a safe, trusted, and widely used option. I encourage all New Zealanders to share their views,” Mr Goldsmith says.

Notes to editor: 

The Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Act, the legislation to enable digital driver licences and other transport service improvements, passed earlier this year.
This consultation seeks feedback on the detailed rules needed to put these changes into effect.
The consultation is being led by the New Zealand Transport Agency and will run for four weeks.
Police will continue to be able to check licence status through the driver licence register, moving to digital driver licence verification over time.
Feedback can be submitted via this link. ...