Driving License Costs in Germany Hit Crisis Level

Record High Costs Raise Political Pressure

The cost of obtaining a driving license in Germany has reached an unprecedented level, prompting the federal government to seek urgent reforms. According to recent data from the Federal Statistical Office, the average price for a standard Class B license now ranges between €2,500 and €4,500, depending on the region and number of required lessons. In some extreme cases, learners have paid up to €10,000, especially after repeated test failures.

Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder has confirmed plans for a roundtable discussion involving other ministries, state governments, and relevant associations. The aim is to identify cost drivers and explore policy measures to make driving licenses more affordable. The issue is especially pressing in rural areas, where access to a private vehicle is often essential due to limited public transport options.

Fees Rising Faster Than Inflation

In 2024, the cost of driving lessons and related fees increased by 5.8 percent, far outpacing the general inflation rate of 2.2 percent. This continues a multi-year trend, with prices having risen by 33 percent since 2021. The reasons for this spike include higher fuel prices, more expensive vehicles, and increased wages for driving instructors, all driven by persistent inflation and a shortage of skilled personnel.

In Baden-Württemberg, average costs are now above €3,400, compared to a national average of €3,070, according to the ADAC. Driving schools report that modern cars equipped with advanced technology, including parking sensors and driver-assistance systems, require more comprehensive training. These features are now often mandatory parts of the practical exam.

High Failure Rates Inflate Final Bill

The theory and practical test failure rates are a major factor contributing to the rising costs. In 2024, around 44 percent of candidates failed the theory exam and 29 percent failed the practical test. Each retake incurs additional charges—not just for the tests themselves, but also for extra lessons, preparation fees, and administrative costs.

The official theory test has grown more difficult over the years. The question catalogue increased by 50 percent, from 800 to 1,200 questions between 2019 and 2025. Though the April 2025 update slightly reduced the number of questions for the first time in years, the exam remains challenging. Experts from both the ADAC and TÜV suggest that simplifying the questions and enhancing early traffic education in schools could help reduce failure rates and training costs.

Practical Training Demands and Hourly Costs

While the legally required minimum for practical training is 12 special driving sessions, learners typically need 37 hours on average before taking the test. For some, especially in urban areas, this number can rise to 40 additional hours. Each driving hour costs between €70 and €80, depending on the region and school.

Automatic transmission lessons dominate in German cities, but to obtain a full manual driving license, students must complete 10 extra lessons, adding hundreds of euros in additional fees. The standard test fees alone are €25 for the theory and €130 for the practical part—without including failed attempts or preparatory lessons.

Alternatives Abroad Come with Legal Challenges

Due to the high costs, some Germans consider obtaining their license abroad. In countries like Poland, Ireland, or Greece, a driving license can cost between €650 and €1,800—a fraction of German prices. Under EU law, licenses issued in other EU states are valid in Germany, as long as the individual had a legal residence of at least 185 days in the issuing country.

This has led to a rise in “license tourism”, where learners travel to EU countries to take cheaper, often easier tests. Some foreign driving schools offer full packages for German customers, including accommodation and even rental leases to help meet residency requirements. However, these services often involve grey legal areas and higher hidden costs, making the final price similar to German rates in some cases.

Moreover, the ADAC has voiced strong concerns about the safety standards of foreign licenses, warning that not all training programs abroad meet Germany’s strict requirements for traffic safety.

Calls for Systemic Reform Grow Louder

Politicians and industry experts are now demanding systemic change. Proposals include:

• Reforming the question catalogue to remove unnecessarily complex items
• Reducing VAT on driving school services
• Allowing driving license costs to be deducted as household-related expenses
• Promoting virtual theory classes and simulator training to reduce reliance on expensive in-car lessons
• Subsidizing driving lessons, especially for young people and rural residents

Driving instructors also support these reforms. They argue that the regulatory framework has not kept pace with the technological complexity of modern driving or the economic realities faced by many families. Additionally, labor shortages in the industry are putting upward pressure on wages, which are passed on to learners.

According to Jochen Klima of the Baden-Württemberg Driving Instructor Association, removing the legal requirement for 10 manual gear training hours could save learners around €500. Similar changes in Switzerland have reportedly not led to a rise in accidents among novice drivers.

Urgency Grows as Learner Numbers Decline

The financial burden is already having measurable effects. Driving schools report declining enrollment, especially in low-income areas. Some institutions are still clearing backlogs caused by the pandemic, but many are now concerned about falling demand.

The pressure to act is growing. The coalition government has pledged in its agreement to reform driving education without compromising safety, and Minister Schnieder has committed to presenting concrete proposals in the near future.

If no relief comes soon, obtaining a driver’s license in Germany risks becoming a privilege only few can afford—undermining equal access to mobility and participation in public life.