Germany advances driver‑license reform with informal training pilot

German federal and state officials are debating a major reform of the driver’s licence system that would allow a part of the practical training to be performed by a close relative or other trusted person – a scheme called “Laienausbildung”. State governments warned that the introduction of informal training must not increase injuries or deaths, urging the federal government to record accidents that occur during such training and to ensure the reform does not undermine the “Vision Zero” road‑safety goal. They also questioned whether the measure will actually lower licence costs, noting possible rises in vehicle‑liability insurance premiums.

The draft law, presented by the Federal Ministry of Transport, seeks to simplify and modernise licence training, reduce bureaucracy and cut expenses by shortening theory courses, reducing special trips and examinations, and permitting up to 1,000 kilometres of practice with a designated “close‑person” instructor who must hold a class‑B licence for at least seven years and have a clean driving record. The pilot will be limited to selected states for five years, after which results will be evaluated. The government aims to finish the legislative process this year and implement the changes on 1 January 2027.