In Germany anyone who wants to get a driving license today needs not only to have the necessary patience and skills, but also a lot money: According to the General German Automotion Association (ADAC), the driving license costs between 2,500 and 3,500 euros – Sometimes more. So, especially for young people who haven’t even finished their studies yet, the driving license is now a luxury.

Although anyone who has a European driving license can drive anywhere in Epirus, each country has its own framework around the issuance of a driving license and the required courses – and the general framework also determines the price.

In Germany, the training to obtain a driving license includes at least 14 two -hour theory courses and 12 driving minutes. In Poland, on the other hand, the hours are less, as is the cost of acquiring the diploma, ranging between 600 and 900 euros.

Recently more and more voices from the political body, such as Florian Miller, a CDU political spokesman, are calling for the modernization of driving education, so that it is economically affordable on the one hand, and on the other hand, to prepare apprentices for new drivers. In addition, the car “remains the number one means of transport” in Germany and for many citizens it is necessary to obtain a driving license, as CDU’s Florian Miller explains to DW.

“In Germany driving is a privilege”

Varsa Heer came from India to Germany in 2018 to study. For the driving license itself, it was necessary because it stayed far enough from its university – and had a very difficult time, economically and emotionally difficult, until it acquired its diploma.

In order to be able to cover the cost of the courses, he worked for a while in an oven while studying. And even though the theoretical examination passed it straight, she had to give the practical part five times.

“The main problem was the rigorous examination conditions,” DW tells DW. “I understand the importance of strict exams, but in my opinion they do not reflect how driving in everyday life.”

Her diploma ultimately cost a total of 5,000 euros – as all her savings were.

Obtaining a diploma is even more difficult for immigrants like her, because linguistic obstacles are big, and there are significant differences in how to drive in Germany compared to other countries. “In Germany driving is always a privilege. There are very few who have unlimited resources so that they can pay this training, ”he adds.

Obtaining a diploma abroad?

All of this is extruded by many people to consider acquiring their diploma abroad, such as in neighboring Poland.

But this is not so easy, says ADAC spokesman Katarina Luke. “Many forget that for this one must have lived in the country for over half a year, that is, at least 185 days. And this is added to the cost of accommodation and travel, “Luke explains to DW. Therefore, it is more beneficial to focus on reforming the driving education system in Germany and make education more economical.

In the meantime, the rate of failure in the theoretical exams is at record levels: about one in two examiners fails. In the practical examination the corresponding rate is greater than a third.

Practical piece raises the price

The political leadership seeks, inter alia, the rationalization of the theoretical part of education. According to Kurt Bartels, head of the North Rhine Driving Teachers’ Union, it is doubtful whether this will result in a reduction in the cost of acquiring the diploma. Because registration for the theoretical examination costs just 25 euros. “What really makes the diploma expensive is the increased number of driving hours,” Bartels explains to DW.

In addition, driving conditions have become clearly more complicated in recent years, including because there are new vehicles on the roads, such as electric skates – and all changes must be taken into account during training, which further increases the time and cost of the process. And all of this is added the increasing operating costs for driving schools, as well as the problems of lack of teaching staff.

Training in… simulators?

One proposal often heard in discussions on efficiency and reduction of driving costs is to use simulators, who allow students to become familiar with the basic pieces of driving digitally.

Simulations can be an important solution for schools that have serious deficiencies of teaching staff, as Florian Miller points out. Anyway in other countries, such as in France, simulators are already an integral part of the educational process.

Curt Bartels, however, remains more skeptical: “When the student is trained in a simulator, the teacher’s supervision is again needed. And in any case, simulators are never able to replace training in real traffic conditions, especially for driving on motorways or at night. “

Accurate but also in -depth education

Miller’s proposal in Bundestag for a more economical driving license was rejected. The pressure is high because by 2020 the cost of driving schools and exams has increased by 38%.

“Our driving education may be indeed expensive, but it is also very thorough,” commented ADAC spokesman Katarina Luke. “And at the same time we see that in other countries, where acquiring diploma is cheaper, the numbers of traffic accidents are higher.”

However, it is certain that the driving license is very expensive in Germany. Thus, anyone who can cover it financially is in an advantage over the rest – who will first have to live without the flexibility of the car.

Curated by: George Passas