Driving licenses cheaper and faster: experts warn of reforms!

Driving licenses cheaper and faster: experts warn of reforms!

A new wind is blowing for future drivers in Germany. The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) has presented ambitious plans that are intended to make obtaining a driving license not only cheaper, but also easier and safer. Sächsische reports that a number of reforms in theory and practical testing are to be initiated. The aim is to reduce the overall burden on prospective drivers and at the same time increase road safety.

The planned changes include, among other things, the elimination of compulsory attendance in theory training, which means that students can learn more flexibly. A third of the current 1,169 questions in the theory test are also to be deleted. However, some of these reforms are a thorn in the side of driving instructors. Jürgen Drießnack from Großenhain expresses concerns as to whether the measures can really be implemented by 2027. One thing is clear: the pressure on driving schools, which already have to deal with rising costs and student demands, is not decreasing.

Shortening of the practical exam and new training methods

Another big step is the planned shortening of the practical exam from 55 to 25 minutes. The BMV would also like to enable more training hours on the simulator, which may annoy some driving instructors. Steffen Janasek from Döbeln emphasizes that simulators cannot replace real driving practice. It will be particularly exciting when driving a manual car will now be possible entirely on the simulator. This could be particularly helpful for learner drivers who insist on automatic cars.

At the same time, some of the mandatory special journeys, such as journeys on the motorway or at night, should be completed on the simulator. These changes could create smooth transitions, but many experts have concerns about what the practical implementation of these innovations will actually look like.

Rising costs and potential savings

One topic that is currently very popular is the sharp increase in the costs of obtaining a driver's license. The BMV states that driving lessons now cost over 60 euros and the total costs are between 2,600 and 3,800 euros. That's a lot of money! To counteract this, Janasek brings the “Swiss model” into play, in which young people can drive under the supervision of their parents in order to reduce the financial burden. A measure that could meet with approval from many parents.

However, this represents a challenge for driving schools. The mix of falling income and increasing training expectations could become a real test for some companies.

How the reforms will affect the acquisition of driving licenses in the long term will be an exciting observation for the coming years. Are the planned changes a step in the right direction or are there still many obstacles to be removed? One thing is certain: the discussion about the future of driving licenses in Germany is only just beginning.