UK Plans Digital Driving Licences Despite Millions Signing Petition

The UK government is set to roll out digital driving licences later in 2025, allowing motorists to use their phones as proof of age and driving entitlement, despite significant public backlash and a petition opposing digital ID cards signed by over two million people. Prime Minister Keir Starmer supports the digital ID initiative, emphasizing its benefits for cracking down on illegal migration and simplifying access to government services, with the digital ID expected to become mandatory for right-to-work checks by the end of Parliament. The rollout will begin with the launch of the GOV.UK Wallet, initially including a Digital Veteran Card, followed by the digital driving licence. Meanwhile, in Australia, authorities propose stricter licensing rules in Western Australia to improve road safety amid rising fatalities, including increasing supervised driving hours, extending the learner and provisional licence periods, restricting mobile phone use to hands-free systems, and requiring supervising drivers to maintain zero blood alcohol levels. These measures come as part of a broader effort to reduce road accidents, with public consultation underway. Additionally, in the UK, there is growing public support for tougher penalties on noisy vehicles, including increased fines and the use of noise cameras to tackle excessive vehicle noise, which many residents find disruptive.