Queensland digital driver’s licence: Rollout is plagued by technical glitches and delays

Five years and $53 million may have been spent on Queensland’s first digital license.

However, there was still a problem when it was officially launched on Wednesday.

People received an error message when they tried to access what was touted as the “country’s best digital license.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey faced the media and apologized, urging Queenslanders to be patient.

But by Wednesday afternoon, around 15,000 people had successfully downloaded the app and accessed their license after ‘system adjustments’.

Despite spending $53 million and five years in development, the new digital license for Queenslanders (pictured) faces problems and further delays

“We are working around the clock to ensure the system performs as we expect,” said Transport Department acting director general Sally Stannard.

“We encourage people to just be patient.

“It’s not like Taylor Swift tickets, it won’t sell out.”

The rollout may not have been smooth, but Mr Bailey said the app was robust and “very secure”.

‘There is nothing wrong with the app or the digital license; it is in very good condition,” he said.

“But what we’ve had is a delay in people’s access.

‘All our IT specialists and suppliers are working very hard to ensure they can tackle this problem so that it can be spread in much greater numbers.’

There was a hiccup despite being in development since 2018 and successful testing in Townsville and on the Fraser Coast.

“I apologize to those who didn’t get it and got an error message,” Mr Bailey said.

“But can I assure everyone that they will have the digital license and it will be the best in the country, at the highest level of any digital license in the country.”

About 15,000 Queenslanders were able to successfully access their license, while others received an error message asking them to ‘try again later’ (pictured)

Queenslanders will be able to access a password-protected digital version of their driver’s license and boating license, or simply use it as proof of identity, with personal information encrypted.

South Australia launched digital licensing in 2017, followed by NSW two years later, and Victoria is set to join them next year.

Queensland’s digital license is the first in Australia to be internationally compliant, Bailey said.

The stalled launch did not go unnoticed by the opposition.

“How many more days does it take him to get it right, after 1833 days?” Shadow TMR spokesperson Steve Minnikin said.