By Ben O’Connell
In a statement on Monday afternoon, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins said the new Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) app is the first step towards digital driver licences.
The pair said that the new NZTA app is a secure ‘one-stop-shop’ that will provide the services drivers need. The NZTA app is currently in Beta mode and in need of public testing.
Simeon Brown said the NZTA app will make it easier for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC).
“It will also display expiry dates for cars’ Warrants of Fitness, Vehicle Registrations and RUC end distance,” he said.
“Future App updates will also allow users to easily pay tolls and view their vehicles’ safety ratings.”
The Future of Driver Licences
The rollout of Waka Kotahi NZTA’s app paves the way for the Government to bring a digital driver’s licence to New Zealand.
“Cutting out unnecessary bureaucracy and delivering the services New Zealanders need in a convenient and timely way is a priority for this Government, and the way we can do that is by delivering digital solutions,” Simeon Brown said.
“This App will reduce the barriers for Kiwis who want to interact with transport public services, making government more accessible.”
Judith Collins said that the digital driver’s licence is an important step towards digitising government which will ultimately lead to better public outcomes and digital services.
“I want to encourage New Zealand drivers to help us with testing this new App. Your engagement and feedback will help greatly improve the functionality of the services and information available before a version is released to app stores in the coming months.”
Other Considerations
Digital driver’s licences are quite feasible, albeit coming with their own societal implications. The technology exists: secure digital storage and verification methods are already widely used for things like mobile banking.
The benefits can include instant updates for drivers, international compatibility, and easier management. If you lost your phone, your licence wouldn’t be suspended but revoked. The complications of losing your physical licence are arguably more far-reaching.
There are still some hurdles to overcome, such as ensuring legislative changes and equitable access for everyone. This move to digitalising driver’s licences also signals further smartphone and device reliance.
As lawmakers and politicians continue to turn to digital means to streamline processes, the importance of ensuring data security and privacy grows.
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