The Federal Minister for Transport, Patrick Schnieder, is advocating for a reduction in the costs associated with obtaining a driver’s license. In remarks to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Schnieder stated that the current price point, often exceeding €4,000, is prohibitive for many. “Driver’s license costs at this level are simply too high. We cannot passively accept these prices, as they increasingly exclude individuals from the ability to obtain a license” he commented.
The focus now, according to Schnieder, should be on identifying measures to mitigate costs. Increased transparency among driving schools is seen as a key initial step. “Knowing the hourly rates and service offerings of different driving schools allows prospective drivers to better estimate their expenses in advance” Schnieder explained.
However, the Minister has ruled out imposing price caps on individual driving lessons. “We will not introduce regulations regarding the cost per hour of instruction” he affirmed.
Addressing high failure rates in both the theoretical and practical driving examinations is another priority. “Nearly half of candidates fail the theoretical exam, while roughly a third fail the practical exam. The practical exam failures, in particular, represent a significant cost burden. We must analyze the causes of these high failure rates and take corrective action” Schnieder stated.
The potential inclusion of more simulators in driving schools is being considered as a possible cost-saving measure. Schnieder himself obtained his driver’s license through an intensive, short-term course at a vacation driving school and suggests similar models could contribute to affordability. However, cautioning against potential drawbacks, he emphasized, “The period between completing the training and taking the final exam must not be excessively long, as this could lead to a loss of essential knowledge for novice drivers, diminishing the potential benefits”.
