Driving license chaos: Why the old rule makes life difficult for drivers!

Driving license chaos: Why the old rule makes life difficult for drivers!

The search for a driving license is increasingly becoming a tightrope act for many young people in Germany. Long waiting times and rising prices are putting prospective drivers in trouble. A look at the current situation reveals that overcoming these hurdles is not an easy matter. The ADAC speaks of enormous costs of between 2,500 and 4,400 euros for obtaining a driving license, although such sums can often be exceeded, especially in metropolitan areas HNA reported.

Particularly explosive: The waiting times for the exams can last until 2027! This has, among other things, to do with a massive shortage of driving instructors that currently exists in Germany. With over 5,400 driving instructors missing for class B and a total need for 11,000 new driving instructors, the situation is becoming increasingly tense. In large cities such as Berlin and Hamburg, driving students sometimes have to wait up to 16 weeks for a test date, which is not only frustrating but also expensive. Because each additional driving hour costs 50 to 80 euros - and that quickly increases when you consider that many people have to plan a few practice trips to be on the safe side.

The residency principle in focus

Another nuisance is the so-called residence principle, which has been in force since 1998. It states that learner drivers must complete their training where their main residence is. The case of a high school graduate from Dresden makes it clear how narrow this regulation is. He wanted to switch to driving school in a nearby town with shorter waiting times, but the public order office rejected his application for a special permit. The reason for this was that the traffic volume in his hometown was significantly higher than in the smaller city, which made it more expensive to take the exams. A change of residence was necessary in order to legally get to Bad Kreuznach, where an intensive program was offered.

Some experts, such as from ADAC Saxony, are critical of the residency principle. It is argued that this regulation further exacerbates the shortages and delays young people unnecessarily. Some proposals aim to improve cooperation between driving schools and authorities to alleviate the challenges faced by young learner drivers.

Rising costs and rising prices

In addition to these structural problems, what makes matters worse is that the costs of attending driving schools and taking driving tests are increasing. Loud Destatis Prices rose by 5.8% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This development is particularly notable in the context of rising consumer prices, which rose by 2.2% overall.

The price increases in previous years were also significant: in 2022 there was a record increase of 10.8%. The 30.4% increase in automobile insurance in 2024 further increases the financial burden on young drivers. The training institutions themselves determine their prices and have to make them transparent, so the pricing often remains opaque and difficult for many to understand.

Tips for aspiring driver learners

To shorten or make the long journey to get a driver's license easier, aspiring drivers can consider a few tips: Registering early, using waiting lists in many cities, or checking out intensive courses during school holidays can help save time and money. Refresher lessons before the test can also be useful, especially for those who lose sight of driving during the long waiting times.

The future remains uncertain for those aspiring to get a driver's license. It remains to be seen whether the authorities will be able to initiate reforms in the near future. Until then, you have to think creatively and quickly look for solutions, because the hurdles are high and the competition is fierce.