The The Federal Cabinet on 5 November 2026 launched a reform of driver training. The German government aims to make obtaining a car driving licence cheaper, more digital and less bureaucratic, without weakening road safety. An accompanying regulation sets out key changes to training in detail; the proposal now goes to the Bundestag.
Key points include allowing digital theory courses outside driving school premises, reducing record-keeping and reporting requirements for driving schools, and trialling new practical training formats for a limited period. Amendments to the Driving Instructors Act are also planned, along with more precise implementation of recent EU requirements on the driving licence. The Regulation on the modernisation of driver training sets out the legal requirements for digital learning formats and quality assurance. The Federal Ministry of Transport had already outlined key points and plans on 20 May 2026.
The German government says that cutting red tape and using digital teaching methods could reduce costs and adapt training to current learning habits. In accompanying documents, the Federal Ministry of Transport cites potential savings for learner drivers and reduced burdens for driving schools. It stresses that quality standards for theory and practical training will be maintained and, where necessary, adjusted.
Criticism has come from the Left Party group, members of the Greens and some parts of the driving school sector. Left Party MPs warn that a strong focus on affordability must not come at the expense of training quality. The Greens group sees risks for small driving schools if investment in digital services and reporting requirements are unevenly distributed. Industry representatives point to the need for clear rules on recognising practical training hours and protecting data in digital formats.
The next steps are a first reading in the Bundestag, followed by discussions in the Transport Committee ; hearings with experts are possible. Since implementation and oversight are largely the responsibility of the Länder, the German government says close coordination with the Länder and the involvement of the Bundesrat are prerequisites for the changes. Further clarification is needed in particular on the precise quality standards for digital teaching, recognition of practical training and the phasing of transitional periods. The date the changes come into force will depend on the parliamentary process and agreement with the Länder.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).