(Gemini Audio)
(de-news.net) – In a bid to modernize the process of driver education and significantly reduce associated costs, Germany’s Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder (CDU), has presented a wide-ranging reform initiative. The proposed measures aim to make access to mobility more equitable and affordable, while preserving the country’s high standards of road safety. The reform package places particular emphasis on digital innovation, administrative simplification, and increased transparency across the driver’s licensing system.
At the core of the initiative lies a substantial restructuring of the theoretical training framework. The catalogue of questions used in the written examination, which currently comprises 1,169 items, is slated for a reduction by approximately one-third. This streamlining is intended to ease the cognitive burden on candidates without compromising the integrity of the assessment. Concurrently, the mandatory requirement for in-person instruction at driving schools would be abolished. Under the new framework, Fahrschulen would be granted full autonomy in selecting and implementing their pedagogical approaches. The transmission of theoretical knowledge, including traffic regulations, could be conducted entirely through digital channels, such as mobile applications. This shift would eliminate the need for physical classrooms and rigidly structured lesson plans, thereby offering greater flexibility to both instructors and learners.
The practical component of driver training is also set to undergo significant changes. Driving schools would be permitted to make broader use of advanced driving simulators, which could serve as substitutes for certain mandatory training sessions, including night-time, highway, and interurban drives. This approach is expected to reduce logistical burdens and enhance training efficiency. Furthermore, the obligation to maintain manual transmission vehicles for instructional purposes would be lifted, allowing candidates to complete their practical examinations in automatic vehicles. In alignment with European regulatory standards, the duration of the practical driving test would be shortened from the current 55 minutes to the minimum requirement of 25 minutes.
To foster greater transparency and informed decision-making among prospective drivers, the reform proposes that driving schools publicly disclose their pricing structures and pass rates. This measure is designed to promote competition within the sector and empower consumers to make choices based on performance and value.
Currently, the average cost of obtaining a Class B driver’s license in Germany stands at approximately 3,400 euros. The Federal Ministry of Transport anticipates that the proposed combination of digital tools, reduced bureaucratic overhead, and flexible instructional models will lead to a marked decrease in these expenses, making driver education more financially accessible.
The reform proposals are intended to be refined in collaboration with federal states and relevant industry stakeholders. The legislative process is expected to commence in the first half of 2026.
