The Auto Club Europa (ACE) does not expect the planned measures by Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder to make acquiring a driving licence cheaper. “A noticeable drop in costs is not to be expected” said ACE expert Marc‑Philipp Waschke‑Deden in an interview with the “Stern”. “What matters more is that the costs do not rise further”. Consequently, the club is calling for a direct subsidy of €500 to cover driver‑training expenses.
ACE also warns against postponing licence applications in the hope of price reductions. The association advises anyone planning to obtain a licence not to wait, stressing that the chance of a significant price drop in the short term is slim.
Minister Schnieder (CDU) plans to eliminate mandatory in‑person theory lessons and introduce digital learning options. Certain obligatory driving sessions – long‑distance, motorway, and night routes – could be cut in length or, in some cases, replaced with simulators. Future reforms will also permit close relatives to play a larger role in practical training. Additionally, the package will increase transparency: passing rates and price lists will be posted online, and bureaucratic record‑keeping requirements will be reduced. The reform set is slated for approval in spring 2026.
While ACE considers these steps logical, it stresses the need to safeguard training quality. “Targeted quality‑assurance measures are required” Waschke‑Deden said.
He also highlighted significant shortcomings in the driving‑instructor profession. Unappealing work schedules, the lack of part‑time options, a low proportion of women, and insufficient recruitment efforts exacerbate the skilled‑worker shortage and, in the long run, push prices higher. “The minister has so far overlooked this problem and instead relies on simulators to create extra capacity” he criticised.