What You Need To Know About The NSW Digital Driver Licence (DDL)
Image courtesy of Service NSW – service.nsw.gov.au
After a successful trial, any NSW driver can now use the NSW Digital Driver Licence (DDL). The Digital Driver Licence is the digital version of your NSW Driver Licence, and it’s available on the Service NSW App.
Wondering what the DDL is, and if it’s right for you? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the basics of the NSW Digital Driver Licence, and discuss everything that you need to know.
What Is The Digital Driver Licence?
As the name suggests, DDL is a digital replacement for your traditional plastic driver licence in New South Wales. Your digital driver’s licence will be valid anywhere in NSW.
After initial testing to test the functionality of the DDL in several trial areas, a statewide roll out of the DDL has begun. Thanks to this statewide rollout, any licenced New South Wales driver can use the DDL as an alternative to their physical plastic driver licence.
Just like your plastic licence, your DDL will have all of your basic information and function as proof of age and identification when checked by police officers, and at clubs, when purchasing alcohol, and for all other such activities that require ID verification by licence checkers.
How Do I Get My NSW Digital Driver Licence
All NSW licence holders can get an NSW digital driver licence right now. It’s easy to get started. All you’ll need to do is:
- Download the latest version of the Service NSW app to your iOS or Android smartphone
Sign in to the Service NSW app with your MyServiceNSW account information and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your DDL - From now on, you’ll be able to instantly access your NSW DDL from the Service NSW app, and if you’re in New South Wales, this licence will function identically to your physical licence for all intents and purposes.
Does The NSW Digital Driver Licence Have Any Restrictions?
While the NSW digital driver licence is legal for use across all of NSW, it is not accepted by any other Australian state.
In addition, some venues and individuals may not be used to seeing the NSW Digital Driver Licence. While it is a legal method of identification, we do recommend carrying your plastic card on your person as a backup while these organizations get used to accepting the DDL as identification.
Note also that you can’t access your digital driver licence whenever you are driving – even when you are not moving, such as at a stop light. This is because it is on your mobile phone, and phone use while driving is not legal. The only exception to this is if you are asked to show your licence during police checks.
We recommend making sure your phone screen is not cracked and that your phone is charged if you are using the DDL. Carry your plastic card as a backup, particularly if you plan to travel interstate or overseas.
Get Signed Up For The DDL Today!
The Digital Driver Licence is a unique way to prove your identity, and is a great option for drivers who are interested in an alternative to a physical driver licence. Just keep the information and restrictions shown above in mind, and have your physical card on you as a backup!
If you are looking to improve your driving skills or ensure you pass your P’s test on the first go, then book driving lessons with the Sydney’s premier driving instructors at LTrent. To get started book online, or give us a call on 02 8748 4500.