Introduction to Driving in Germany
Learning in Germany nowadays requires more than patience. It also takes a lot of money. According to Germany’s largest automobile club, the ADAC, a driver’s license can cost between € 2,500 and € 3,500 – even more in some cases. For young people who are still in education, it becomes a luxury.
The Cost of Driving Education
Although a driver’s license is valid in an EU country throughout the block, the view of how it gets there is still regulated nationwide. Each country has its own driving school concept, which in turn determines the price. In Germany, driving education is extensive and legally regulated. The learners have to complete at least 14 theoretical meetings and 12 practical driving lessons. In contrast, Poland offers a more compact and less closely regulated program in which a license can only cost € 600.
Demands for Reform
The demands for the reform become louder. Florian Müller, spokesman for transport policy, is one of those who urge a "contemporary and modern driver’s education" that reflects both affordable and the current street realities. After all, "the car is still the number one of the transport" in Germany and many people are dependent on a license.
Driving in Germany is a Privilege
Varsha Iyer knows that only too well. Originally from India, she moved to Germany in 2018 to study. Her journey to the license was emotionally exhausting and financially exhausting. At the same time, it was inevitable because it was difficult to get from her house to her study place in the city of Dusseldorf without a car. To pay for the driving lessons, Iyer worked part-time in a bakery during her studies. She passed the theory test on her first attempt, but did not pass the practical exam five times.
Getting a License Abroad
Due to the high costs, more people in Germany consider carrying out their driving test abroad, for example in neighboring countries such as Poland. But it’s not that easy, warns ADAC spokesman Katharina Luca. "People often forget that they have to live in the country for at least 185 days to get a license there. And then there are additional costs for travel and accommodation."
Exercise Drives the Price
The German State Transport Minister is now urging the theoretical section of the training to simplify. Kurt Bartels, chairman of the drive instructor in North Rhine-Westphalia, doubts whether this makes the driver’s license cheaper. Registration for the theoretical test costs only € 25. "What really increases the costs is the number of driving lessons that people need," he said.
Are Driving Simulators the Answer?
An proposed solution is to include driving simulators in training programs. Basic techniques such as gear shift or checking the blind spots can be taught practically. With less available trainers, simulators could help relieve the stress, believes Müller. You can consider which tasks can only do one driving instructor and which parts may be treated by a machine.
Between Ambition and Reality
A current proposal by Florian Müller to make licenses more affordable was rejected in the Bundestag. Nevertheless, the pressure must be acted. Since 2020, the cost of driving school and exams has increased by 38%, which far exceeds inflation. "Perhaps our driver’s education is expensive, but it is also very thorough," says ADAC spokesman Luca and adds: "At the same time we also see that other countries with cheaper training programs do not necessarily have higher accident rates."
