DIGITAL DRIVER LICENCES: Will taxi and PHV drivers embrace the change coming this summer?
The Government’s push for digital driving licences is dividing opinion, and taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers are no exception.
For many in the industry, a driving licence is more than just a legal document—it’s essential for their livelihood. The question now is whether drivers will embrace the shift to digital or stick with traditional physical licences.
The Government plans to roll out digital driving licences later this year through the GOV.UK Wallet and App. The initiative aims to modernise access to official documents and improve security. While the change is optional, concerns remain over how it will affect drivers who rely on their licence for work.
Security is one of the key selling points. More than one million UK licences were lost or stolen in a single year, costing drivers over £20 million. A digital licence stored on a smartphone, protected by biometric security, could reduce fraud and make it easier for drivers to prove their credentials if stopped by enforcement officers.
However, for taxi and PHV drivers, a digital licence is only one part of the equation. Licensing authorities across the UK issue separate taxi and private hire licences, and it remains unclear whether councils will adopt a similar digital system for driver and vehicle licences. If they do, it could streamline processes and reduce paperwork. But if not, drivers may still need to carry physical copies alongside a digital driving licence.
Older drivers, who make up a significant portion of the trade, could face challenges with the transition. Many are comfortable with traditional licensing methods and may be reluctant to rely on a smartphone app for such an important document. Any technical issues—such as a lost or broken phone—could leave drivers unable to work until resolved.
On the other hand, a digital licence could prove useful when dealing with operators, insurers, and enforcement agencies. Instant verification through an app could speed up checks and reduce the risk of carrying multiple paper documents.
For now, the industry is likely to take a wait-and-see approach. With digital driving licences not being mandatory, many drivers may stick with physical versions. But if licensing authorities introduce digital taxi and PHV licences, the shift could become harder to avoid.
Ultimately, adoption will depend on whether the system is reliable, secure, and widely accepted by enforcement bodies and licensing authorities. If those in charge get it right, digital licences could simplify life for drivers. If not, they could become just another layer of complexity in an already heavily regulated trade.
