Following the cabinet’s decision to reform driving instruction, the Federal Association of Driving Schools (Bundesvereinigung der Fahrlehrerverbände) is pushing for significant amendments. Vice President Kurt Bartels told the “Rheinische Post” (Thursday edition) that he expects Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) to finally incorporate the expertise of driving instructors and academic experts into the ongoing process.
Bartels also challenged the claim that obtaining a driver’s license frequently costs up to 4,000 euros. He stated that they possess confirmed data showing that around 70 percent of driving students are capable of passing both theoretical and practical segments of training promptly and successfully by 2025. For these students, the typical cost would remain below 3,000 euros. He added that those incurring much higher costs are usually taking significantly longer than a year at the driving school, a situation they find undesirable.
Furthermore, Bartels cautioned that the planned ‘layperson training,’ which is intended to lower costs, will fail to achieve its objective. He warned that individuals who already face difficulties, such as those whose parents cannot afford a car, will benefit little from this measure. Regarding the overall demystification and streamlining of the training process, Bartels pointed out that the vast majority of driving schools are already highly digitized. The only missing elements, he noted, are the interfaces connecting these schools with government authorities.
Ultimately, the central aim of Schnieder’s reform is reported to be making the driver’s license significantly more affordable.