Germany plans major reforms to vehicle regulations and driving licenses

The German Federal Ministry of Transport is planning significant reforms to road traffic regulations. Starting January 1, 2029, the planned Vehicle Approval and Operation Ordinance (FGBV) is intended to replace the existing Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) and the Vehicle Approval Ordinance (FGV).

The FGBV will reorganize rules regarding vehicle construction, approval, and operation. While many core principles will remain, changes to procedures and terminology will impact motorcycle customization, exhaust systems, and classic car owners. Technical inspections, such as the main inspection (HU) and emissions testing (AU), will be moved to a separate regulation.

In a related development, the German Bundestag's Transport Committee is holding a public hearing regarding a proposed driving license reform. The draft law aims to modernize driving school training and reduce the costs of obtaining a license. Key proposals include allowing theory lessons to be completed digitally via apps, removing mandatory attendance for theory classes, and simplifying the theory exam question catalog. Additionally, practical training would shift from a fixed number of mandatory special drives to a requirement based on student ability and instructor assessment, aligning German law with EU standards.