New data reveals four in five Queensland motorists have not signed up for the digital licence app launched more than a year ago, despite a $50 million spend on development and roll-out.
The minister responsible for customer service says he wants an app where residents can access their government licences and permits in one place to encourage uptake.
In November 2023, the former government rolled out the digital licence app — allowing Queenslanders to display their licence and photo identification on a smart device.
Since its launch, about 827,000 digital drivers licences have been downloaded, which accounts for roughly 20 per cent of licence holders.
It means more than three million motorists are yet to adopt the technology.
Customer Services Minister Steve Minnikin has acknowledged the app was a “little bit clunky” to download.
He said he envisaged a platform that provided one door of entry for a range of government products.
This could include licences and permits, documentation such as blue cards, and government vouchers.
“You don’t need to have a separate app for that, and then you have a separate app for this,” Mr Minnikin said.
“We just want to make sure that when people interact with government, they don’t have to groan and think, ‘here we go again’.
“Just make it seamless, pleasurable, and quick.”
NSW already using similar app
Mr Minnikin said he wanted to get the “architecture” of the proposal sorted out first and ensure it was “as secure as possible”.
“We will take the time to get that set up properly and … that will then enable a range of products and services to come across very, very easily,” he said.
The minister pointed out the NSW government had a similar service provided by its Service NSW agency, which allowed residents to access digital licences, deal with fines, manage their vehicle registration, and access vouchers.
Mr Minnikin said the Queensland government still wanted to provide customers choice, including face-to-face and phone services.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) set aside $52.9 million over three years to develop and deliver the digital licence app.
Beyond drivers licences, about 150,000 marine licences have been downloaded through the app as well as 51,145 photo identification cards.
A spokesperson for TMR said the department had promoted the app through social media with “targeted campaigns”.
“Additionally, TMR has promoted the app at key events, such as the QUT Welcome Week, and through traditional media channels, including the promotional magazine for the upcoming Brisbane Truck Show 2025,” they said.
“Flyers and promotional materials can also be found at TMR customer service centres.”
Laws were passed in 2020 to ensure digital licences have proper legal authority.
The digital version is optional, and motorists are still required to renew their physical licence when it expires.
The TMR spokesperson said the department was continuously developing and upgrading the app to add new functions and improve the design.
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