The German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) has invited a select group of associations and automobile clubs to a stakeholder dialogue titled “Affordable Driving Licence”.
The dialogue supports the goals set out in the coalition agreement of the 21st legislative period of the German Bundestag, which calls for a reform of driver training to make obtaining a driving licence more affordable – without compromising safety or quality standards.
Costs
Manfred Wirsch, President of the German Road Safety Council (DVR), welcomed the initiative, stating: “If we ensure that novice drivers are reliably and thoroughly prepared for driving, this reform could make a meaningful contribution to achieving Vision Zero.”
Wirsch emphasised that improving the quality of driver training is the most effective way to reduce costs: “Higher-quality training can significantly lower the number of costly repeat driving tests.”
Quality
Germany’s National Road Safety Programme 2021–2030 already outlines several key measures to ensure the quality of driver education. These include:
- Optimisation of the core curriculum for both theoretical and practical training
- Improved supervision and monitoring of driving schools
- Closer alignment between training and the driving test
- Introduction of mandatory minimum standards
- Regular review and enhancement of driving instructors’ continued education
Of particular importance to the DVR is the need for greater standardisation and transparency in practical driver training. The organisation advocates for a binding reference curriculum that includes systematic monitoring of learning progress. Such a structure, they argue, would not only improve training quality but also increase the overall efficiency of the process.
Digitalisation
The DVR also sees great potential in digital transformation within driver education.
They recommend the nationwide adoption of scientifically validated blended learning models—combining in-person classes with digital teaching methods—for the theoretical portion of training. Additionally, driving simulators should be more widely used to help learners master complex driving situations, such as overtaking or operating a manual transmission vehicle.
Next Steps
As the stakeholder dialogue gets underway, the DVR is calling for evidence-based, quality-driven reforms that balance affordability with safety. “Digitalisation and structural improvements can make driver training more efficient, accessible, and safer. But affordability must never come at the expense of safety,” Wirsch concluded. The outcomes of the dialogue are expected to shape the next phase of Germany’s efforts to modernise and reform its driver training system in alignment with the Vision Zero goal—eliminating road deaths and serious injuries.