Germany to overhaul driver’s licence system with digital theory from 2027

The German Bundesrat is set to discuss a comprehensive reform of the driver’s licence system that will take effect at the start of 2027. The cabinet approved the draft law on 20 May 2026, and the key measures include the introduction of fully digital theory lessons, a reduction of the exam question pool to 840 items, and the option for experienced driving instructors to act as examiners. The reform aims to lower the average cost of obtaining a licence, which now stands at about €3,400, and to cut the long waiting periods for practical tests.

The ADAC backs the proposal, stressing that it can make training more flexible, transparent and affordable while preserving road safety. It highlights the potential of expanded accompanied‑driving programmes to improve practical‑test success rates and reduce accident risk for new drivers. The law also requires drivers born between 2002 and 2004 to exchange their paper licences for EU‑standard cards by 19 January 2027, with fines for missed deadlines. International examples such as digital licences in Poland and Latvia are cited as part of a broader European move toward digital identification.