Germany's Driving License Reform Approved, Sparks Safety Concerns

The German federal cabinet, led by Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU), approved a comprehensive reform of the driver’s licence system. The plan seeks to make licences cheaper—currently averaging €3,400 for a Class B car licence—by eliminating mandatory in‑person theory classes, allowing digital learning via apps, and cutting the theory question pool by about one‑third. Practical training requirements are also loosened: the fixed twelve special‑driving sessions are removed, and the road‑test duration is reduced to the EU minimum of 25 minutes. An “experiment clause” would let learners practice under supervision of trusted persons, such as parents, after passing the theory exam. The reform also mandates price and success‑rate transparency from driving schools.

Driving‑instructor associations and the European Automobile Club have voiced strong criticism. They argue that self‑study cannot replace the safety benefits of classroom interaction, warn that reduced mandatory practice could jeopardise road safety, and note that many schools face revenue losses and risk insolvency. The exact amount of cost savings for learners remains unclear, with officials stating that market forces will determine final prices. The legislation is set to be debated in the Bundestag and Bundesrat, with implementation targeted for early 2027.