As European countries continue searching for ways to strengthen road safety while ensuring accessibility to driver licensing, Germany is preparing for a potentially far-reaching reform of its driver training system. At the centre of the discussion is the question of how to reduce costs without compromising safety.
At the Conference of Transport Ministers on 25–26 March in Lindau, ROADPOL partner-the German Road Safety Council (DVR)-presented a series of proposals designed to modernise and streamline driver training. The ideas-ranging from the use of simulators to structured learning plans and a pilot project for accompanied driving-aim to make the path to a licence both safer and more efficient.
Simulators
One of the most notable recommendations from the DVR is the official integration of driving simulators into mandatory driver training. Until now, simulators have been an optional supplement used by only some driving schools.
Under the proposal, two of the five required rural-road drives could be completed on a simulator. The DVR also suggests that one motorway lesson-including critical exercises such as forming an emergency corridor-could be simulated, as well as one night-time drive. According to the DVR, manual gear shifting could also be practised more effectively in a controlled, risk-free environment.
DVR President Manfred Wirsch stresses the safety benefits: “Some dangerous situations simply cannot be trained on real roads without risk. The simulator creates a protected learning space where experience can be gained safely-before trainees encounter these situations in live traffic.”
Theory
While welcoming digital learning formats, the DVR warns against reducing theory lessons to fully self-directed online study. Topics such as risk perception, emotional regulation, stress management, and interaction with vulnerable road users require dialogue with instructors and peers.
The DVR supports blended or interactive digital formats but insists that group sizes must remain manageable to ensure quality. As Wirsch notes: “Theory is more than knowledge-it is shared understanding. Trainees learn best when complex scenarios are discussed together, not just clicked through on a screen.”
Curriculum
To harmonise training standards across Germany, the DVR calls for a transparent, mandatory reference training plan for all driving schools. Learner progress should be systematically documented so instructors can tailor coaching more precisely, ensure continuity when trainees change teachers or schools, and make quality measurable and comparable nationwide.
“Driving schools shape judgment, responsibility, and confidence,” Wirsch explains. “Clear learning plans and structured feedback make this process even more effective.”
Accompaniment
The DVR also proposes a scientifically supervised pilot project allowing learner drivers to gain additional practice before taking the practical test-under the supervision of qualified accompanying adults.
Prerequisites would include confirmation from an instructor that the learner has achieved basic driving competency, along with clearly defined safety and training guidelines developed with road safety experts. Many young drivers already gain informal practice on private training grounds with parents; the DVR sees potential to channel this engagement more effectively and safely.