A decision within ACT government to curb enthusiasm over the introduction of a digital driver's licence has been vindicated, with NSW experiencing significant problems with its technology roll-out on Tuesday.
Announced on Monday as publicly available in NSW after an earlier trial, the volume of people eager to download the new smartphone app caused what was described as "stability" issues.
"We're a little busy", "something went wrong" and "please try again" were common responses to those who tried to download the app after Service NSW confirmed more than 60,000 people rushed to make the switch.
The ACT government had been "enthusiastic" about moving to digital drivers' licences and a spokesperson said "we'd like to design this shift with the local community and industry groups".
"We recognise driver licences serve many purposes, including proof of identity and proof of age, and we want to ensure digital licences could be used and accepted in all the same contexts that printed cards are today," the spokesperson said.
The ACT government now has its digital drivers licence project slated for the 2020-21 financial year.
In NSW, the project has cost $14.65 million so far.
NSW drivers have also been warned that if they have a flat phone battery or a cracked screen then they may still be fined by police for not being able to produce their licence.
