Bundestag Passes Driving Licence Reform, Savings Up to €1,000
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The Bundestag voted on Thursday 5 November 2026 to pass the first part of a reform of driver training in Germany. The governing CDU, CSU and SPD voted in favour. The changes still need the approval of the Bundesrat, the chamber of the federal states, which meets next on Friday 20 November. Most of the new rules are planned to take effect on 1 July 2027, so that driving schools have time to prepare.
A car driving licence (class B) currently costs about 3,400 euros on average, according to the Federal Transport Ministry. Transport Minister Steffen Bilger says learners could save several hundred euros, and in the best case up to 1,000 euros. The SPD, the Greens and driving instructor associations doubt that figure. The real saving will depend on how driving schools set their prices.
What changes: learners will be able to choose whether they study the theory through an app at home, online, or in a classroom as before. The fixed rule of twelve special lessons of 45 minutes on country roads, on the motorway and at night will be dropped, and the instructor will decide how many are needed. The practical test becomes shorter, 40 minutes instead of 55, with at least 25 minutes of driving instead of 30. The list of theory questions will be reduced. Driving schools will have to publish their prices and pass rates in an online database.
The federal states may also allow learners to practise with a family member, such as a parent. The learner must first pass the theory test and take six driving lessons. The companion must have held a licence for at least seven years and have no more than one penalty point in Flensburg.
Who is affected: everyone who plans to take a car driving test in Germany.
What you can do: if you start lessons now, the current rules still apply until the new ones take effect. Compare the prices of driving schools near you, ask whether they plan to offer digital theory lessons, and watch for the Bundesrat decision before you sign a contract.
Sources: tagesschau.de, n-tv.de
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