Members of the Bundestag are demanding comprehensive changes to the current driving license reform. According to amendment and resolution motions, which are scheduled to be voted on by the Transport Committee on Thursday, a central demand is that any simplifications introduced must maintain the high level of traffic safety.
Regarding the future allowance for non-professional instructors and learner training, the amendments stipulate that federal states must create the necessary prerequisites for this controversial education system. This practice would permit driving practice under the guidance of non-professional instructors, but these individuals would only be authorized if they have participated in joint theoretical and practical training with the participant at a driving school. Furthermore, the plans call for an independent “evaluation of the non-professional training.”
The proposal also includes robust measures to protect driving students from sexual assault. The regulations mandate that driving instructors must respect the dignity and personality of their students, ensuring a respectful environment free from disparities and harassment. This provision explicitly establishes that any form of harassment is incompatible with properly conducted driving school training.
Changes are also being proposed concerning the transparency obligations of driving schools. The current registry of driving school prices is criticized for presenting “heterogeneous data” because schools apply different pricing structures across their main location and various satellite branches. Therefore, the proposals require that prices be displayed separately for each specific location. Additionally, the plan to publish pass rates is slated to be removed entirely.
Finally, the resolution motion calls for simplifications related to combining different classes of driving licenses. Specific changes include ensuring that the existing holding period for Class B licenses remains recognized when drivers transfer licenses obtained in third countries. The government is also urged to lobby the European Commission for the introduction of “Accompanying Driving” starting at age 16, and to facilitate the possibility of conducting licensing exams through other suitable examining bodies. Both legislative requests are set to be adopted by the German Bundestag on Thursday.
