(Gemini Audio)
(de-news.net) – Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) has urged prospective drivers not to postpone the process of obtaining a license in the expectation that training costs will decline in the near future. He argued that, although driving schools are likely to receive greater operational flexibility under forthcoming regulatory adjustments, the actual development of prices will continue to be shaped primarily by broader market forces. For that reason, he characterized any strategy of waiting for lower fees as imprudent. According to his assessment, individuals who begin their training promptly are more likely to secure earlier access to personal mobility and to avoid the increasingly common delays associated with high demand and limited instructional capacity.
Schnieder has recently introduced a set of substantial policy proposals intended to reduce the financial burden of driver education. Nevertheless, he stressed that even under ideal coordination with the federal states, the legislative framework required to implement these reforms could not realistically enter into force before early 2027. He cautioned that, as a result, immediate or dramatic reductions in training costs should not be expected. The minister reiterated his view that the current nationwide average of roughly 3,500 euros remains excessively high, particularly in light of the indispensable role that a driver’s license plays in rural regions where public transportation options are limited. He further noted that families with two children could easily face expenditures approaching the five‑figure range, a situation he described as increasingly misaligned with the everyday needs and financial realities of ordinary citizens.
Schnieder defended a proposed experimental clause that would allow close relatives to accompany learner drivers during supervised practice sessions. He referenced successful implementations of similar models in other countries as evidence that such an approach can function effectively when properly regulated. At the same time, he emphasized that the measure would be introduced with considerable caution and subject to careful monitoring to ensure safety and instructional quality.
There is a consensus regarding the broader goal of reducing the overall cost of obtaining a driver’s license among both federal and state authorities. Policymakers are examining a range of potential measures, including the expanded use of driving simulators, a reduction in mandatory special‑purpose lessons — such as night driving or highway instruction — and the development of more comprehensive digital learning platforms. Together, these initiatives are intended to modernize driver education, streamline training requirements, and ultimately make licensing more accessible and affordable for the general population.
