Digital driving licence nearing nationwide rollout for millions of UK drivers

This will be the first time organisations from the private sector have been invited to test technology in a closed test environment to test the digital driving licence.

By testing new technologies in a sandbox environment, DVS providers can alter services without going live with any changes that may impact users.

The technology featured by DVS providers will allow information from the digital driving licence to be shared securely with pubs, cinemas and supermarkets.

Labour first announced the digital driving licence in January 2025, when it pledged to launch the service the same year.

Testing for the digital driving licence launched at the end of last year, with the GDS and DVLA working to design, build and test the product.

This includes developing the technical capabilities to refresh, verify and even revoke a digital driving licence.

Safeguards have also been strengthened to help organisations check that a licence is valid and up to date.

The two Government agencies have also worked on developing the digital Veteran Card, which is the first credential for the GOV.UK Wallet.

Both the digital driving licence and digital Veteran Card are designed to be an alternative to physical photocards, rather than a direct replacement.

The Government Digital Service described the latest sandbox step as a “significant moment” in the development of the digital driving licence.

When testing the digital driving licence in the sandbox, DVS providers will be able develop integrations with services and test credentials.

They will also “understand how digital driving licence checks may operate”, as well as identify any technical or operational issues.

The GDS confirmed that a testing event with stakeholders would take place later this year to test and collect feedback.

It added that the DVLA’s Driver and vehicles account feature would be added to the GOV.UK App soon.

The feature is currently in testing, with the GDS stating that a wider release was planned “in a few months”.

The GDS said: “Together, these products will make it easier for people to interact with government in ways that are convenient for them, delivering on the Roadmap’s ambitions.”

Speaking at the time of the initial digital driving licence announcement, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander called it a “game changer for millions”.

“The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone,” Ms Alexander added.