Cheaper Driver's Licenses in Sight with New Reform Plans

The German Ministry of Transport is planning reforms to make driver's licenses more affordable by using simulators and apps, reducing mandatory driving hours, and shortening the theoretical exam. The proposals aim to reduce the financial burden of obtaining a driver's license, particularly for young people in rural areas.

Key Points

The reform aims to reduce the cost of obtaining a Class B driver's license, which currently averages around €3,400 in Germany.
Proposed changes include allowing driving schools to use apps for theoretical lessons instead of mandatory in-person classes.
The theoretical exam will be shortened by a third, reducing the number of questions from 1,169.
Simulator training will be used for manual transmission driving and some mandatory special trips (night, highway, rural roads).
The duration of the practical driving test will be reduced to the European legal minimum of 25 minutes.
The Ministry also aims to reduce documentation requirements for driving schools and make driving school oversight more efficient.

Background

The high cost of obtaining a driver's license in Germany is a significant barrier, especially for young adults in rural areas where public transportation options are limited. The current system involves mandatory in-person theoretical lessons, a comprehensive theoretical exam, and a set number of mandatory special driving lessons in addition to regular practical driving instruction. These factors contribute to the overall cost, making it difficult for some to access personal mobility. The coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD had already included a commitment to reforming driver's license regulations to make them more affordable.

Numbers & Facts

Average cost of a Class B driver's license in Germany: approximately €3,400.
Number of questions in the current theoretical exam: 1,169.
Reduction target for theoretical exam questions: one-third.
Target implementation date for legal changes: first half of 2026.
Minimum duration of the practical driving test after the reform: 25 minutes (European legal minimum).
Patrick Schnieder (CDU) is the current Minister of Transport.

Assessment

The proposed reforms are likely to be welcomed by driving schools and prospective drivers alike. Driving schools may benefit from reduced overhead costs due to the elimination of mandatory in-person theoretical classes and the use of simulators. Aspiring drivers, particularly young people and those in rural areas, stand to gain from the reduced overall cost of obtaining a driver's license. The reform may lead to increased mobility for individuals who were previously unable to afford a license. Concerns about traffic safety are being addressed by maintaining the same level of theoretical and practical knowledge required for licensure, even with the implementation of new teaching methods and a shorter exam. The proposal by the Left party to integrate theoretical driver education into the school curriculum could further reduce costs.

Outlook

The Ministry of Transport will now work with state governments and the driving school industry to refine the proposed reforms. The goal is to introduce the necessary legal changes in the first half of 2026. Further discussions will also address potential cost reductions for other types of licenses, such as those for trucks (Lkw-Führerschein). The online cost and quality comparison tool for driving schools should allow prospective students to make more informed decisions. It remains to be seen how these changes will ultimately affect the quality of driver education and road safety.

Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/fuehrerschein-preiswerter-reform-100.html