Germany Plans to Lower Driving Test Costs with Reform
The German federal cabinet has approved a legislative proposal aimed at reducing the costs and increasing the flexibility of obtaining a driver's license. The reforms are expected to take effect in early 2027.
Germany's Ministry of Transport has initiated a reform intended to make obtaining a driver's license more affordable and flexible for aspiring drivers. The draft legislation, approved by the federal cabinet on Wednesday, March 20, includes several measures to mitigate the significantly increased costs associated with driver education.
Key changes include expanding digital instruction options, reducing the number of mandatory special driving lessons, and shortening practical driving tests. A significant aspect is the potential to allow supervised practice driving with trusted companions, drawing inspiration from an Austrian model. These adjustments are expected to lower operational costs for driving schools, which should translate into lower fees for students.
The reform also proposes reducing the theoretical test question bank by about one-third and easing requirements for driving school facilities and teaching materials. The current 12 mandatory special drives would be condensed to three: one urban, one rural, and one night drive. Furthermore, the government aims to increase transparency by making driving school prices and pass rates publicly available online.
The ADAC, Germany's largest automobile club, has welcomed the proposed reforms. The organization believes the changes will not only ease the financial burden on license applicants but also enhance road safety by providing more practical driving experience. ADAC views the possibility of additional supervised practice as a valuable supplement to professional instruction. The draft law will now proceed to the Bundestag and Bundesrat for further deliberation, with a target implementation date of early 2027.