A debate is gaining momentum in Germany regarding the affordability of driver’s license acquisition, with Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder advocating for measures to lower costs. His proposals are now receiving backing from the prominent automobile club, ADAC.
Schnieder recently voiced concerns about the escalating costs of obtaining a driver’s license, stating that prices exceeding €4,000 are prohibitive for many. He argued that such expenses are unsustainable and effectively exclude a significant portion of the population from accessing a fundamental form of mobility. He has called for increased transparency within driving schools, more streamlined training programs, wider adoption of driving simulators and initiatives aimed at reducing high failure rates in both theoretical and practical driving tests.
Gerhard Hillebrand, ADAC’s Head of Mobility, echoed Schnieder’s sentiments, highlighting the societal implications of driver’s license affordability. “The ability to achieve independent mobility with a car means for many people the possibility to participate in social life, as well as, for example, reliably reaching their training or workplace at different times” he stated. He added that affordable driver’s licenses are also a question of social equity.
ADAC is proposing several potential solutions to address the issue. These include expanding opportunities for virtual theoretical instruction and increasing the use of driving simulators. The club believes this approach could lead to savings on the rental of driving school facilities. Furthermore, utilizing simulators would potentially reduce the requirement for driving schools to maintain two vehicles with different powertrain types. Finally, ADAC suggests exploring innovative pathways for training driving instructors to address the current shortage of qualified personnel within the profession.