Politics · Germany · 10 hrs ago
German parliament approves first part of driving licence reform
Germany’s Bundestag approved the first part of a driving licence reform with support from the governing coalition.
The changes aim to cut bureaucracy for driving schools and allow learners to gain extra practice with non-instructors, such as their parents.
The reform is intended to make driving lessons and licences less expensive, but the government has not established how much people will save.
The transport minister said savings could reach €1,000, while the average car licence currently costs about €3,400.
Opposition politicians and driving instructor groups say the savings are uncertain and warn that lower standards could affect road safety.
The Bundesrat still has to approve the changes, and is due to meet on November 20.
A second part of the reform, covering special driving lessons and theory and practical tests, also requires approval.
Germany’s Bundestag approved the first part of a driving licence reform on 5 November, with support from the governing coalition.
The plan would reduce driving schools’ bureaucracy and allow learners to gain extra practice with informal training, for example from parents.
The government says the changes could lower costs, but the savings are uncertain and critics question whether the reform will make licences more affordable.
The changes still require approval by the Bundesrat, which is due to meet on 20 November.
- Who
- Germany’s Bundestag approved the reform’s first part with votes from the governing coalition.
- What
- The plan would reduce driving schools’ bureaucracy and allow informal training for learners, such as practice with parents.
- When
- 5 November 2026.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- The reform aims to make driving licences less expensive and reduce bureaucracy for driving schools.
Reform supporters
Reform critics
Potential savings
Reform supporters
The government says learners could save several hundred euros, and possibly up to €1,000.
Reform critics
The savings are uncertain, and critics say the ministry has not substantiated the claim.
Informal training
Reform supporters
Supporters say practice with parents could help learners gain experience and has worked in countries such as Austria.
Reform critics
Driving instructor associations oppose informal training and warn the reform could harm road safety.
Standards
Reform supporters
CDU transport politician Henning Rehbaum says licences could become faster and cheaper without reducing safety.
Reform critics
Green transport politician Swantje Michaelsen says the reform lowers standards instead of making licences more affordable.
The Bundestag approved the first part of the driving licence reform with votes from the governing coalition.
The Bundesrat is due to meet to consider the remaining approvals required for the reform.
- Potential savings
- Up to €1,000, according to the transport minister
- Current average price
- Around €3,400 for a class B car driving licence
- Next Bundesrat meeting
- 20 November 2026
- Informal training
- Could include extra practice with parents
2 sources
What people are saying
Instead of making the driving licence more affordable, it lowers standards.