Driving instructors' association: Reform does not make driving license cheaper

From the point of view of Saxony's driving schools, the reform plans of Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) will not make driving licenses any cheaper. "The biggest cost of driving school training is the tax burden: At least half of the total costs flow directly into the state coffers," said Peter Losleben, Chairman of the Saxon State Association of Driving Instructors, when asked. Those who consider the driving license to be necessary should not cash in to the maximum and at the same time expect unrealistic solutions from the driving schools.

Federal Minister of Transport wants to reduce costs

Schnieder announced last October that he wanted to reduce the costs of training with a reform. Plans include fewer questions in the theory test, an end to compulsory classroom instruction in driving schools, the use of driving simulators and fewer compulsory special trips at night or on freeways.

Last week, the Saxon government submitted an initiative to the Bundesrat (upper house of the German parliament) for the swift implementation of the announced reform. The average cost of a driver's license in Saxony is around €3,300, while the German average is around €100 more.

Driving schools: plans merely shift costs

According to Losleben, Schnieder's plans were met with a great deal of incomprehension by Saxony's driving schools. The proposed measures would not reduce costs, but merely shift them to other cost units. "Today, around three quarters of theory lessons can already be carried out digitally, with face-to-face lessons only taking place to a minimal extent." Up to 70 percent of practical training is also likely to take place on simulators.

No slump in registrations in Saxony

However, according to the association, Saxony's driving schools have not yet been affected by the nationwide trend of falling registration figures following Schnieder's announcement. On the contrary, many driving schools are still looking for specialists, Losleben emphasized. The many years of pressure on the industry had led to a demographic problem in Saxony, "the consequences of which will be with us for some time to come".

According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, there are around 2,200 driving instructors in Saxony, around a quarter of whom are over 65. There are currently 554 driving schools, 409 in rural areas and 145 in the three independent cities.