As InDaily revealed in May, the State Government has been working on producing digital versions of SA driver’s licences, to be available on a mobile application by the end of 2017.

The Government this afternoon announced the digital drivers’ licences would be available on the my SA GOV app from next month.

Newly appointed Police and Road Safety Minister Chris Picton said SA would become the first jurisdiction in the country to use the technology.

He said it would “not only streamline licensing services but offer vastly heightened security when it comes to verifying licences”.

Adelaide design firm Appvation produced the new feature – an option available to anyone with a learner’s permit, P-plates, or a full or heavy vehicle licence.

It includes several security measures to prevent misuse.

They include one-time barcode that refreshes every 30 seconds to prevent the use of fake licences, fingerprint identification, real-time updates to prevent the use of expired or suspended licences, and a “shake to animate” feature: this shows the time and date to demonstrate that the licence is not a photo or a screenshot.

The virtual licence will be able to be used in areas where mobile phone coverage is not available.

But the Government says the digital driver’s licences feature “complements the traditional licence system – and users of the app are strongly encouraged to retain their physical licence”.

Digital licences for driving instructors and driver accreditation for taxi, bus and chauffeur drivers will also be available from October.

Occupational licences for builders, plumbers, gas fitters, electricians and security and investigation agents are to become available on the app before the end of the year.