German Handwerkspräsident Proposes Driving License Subsidy Over Deutschlandticket for Rural Apprentices

Jörg Dittrich argues that a driving license subsidy would better address mobility challenges in rural areas where public transport is insufficient.

Jörg Dittrich, president of the German Handwerksverband, suggests subsidizing driving licenses for rural apprentices instead of offering the Deutschlandticket, citing poor public transport availability in these areas.
Dittrich highlights the limitations of the Deutschlandticket for rural residents, where buses and trains often do not operate early or late enough to meet work schedules.
He argues that individual mobility, such as car access, is essential for rural communities, where public transport and cycling options like cargo bikes are impractical for long distances or transporting tools.
Critics of the proposal point out that a driving license alone does not solve the issue, as apprentices may still struggle to afford vehicles and associated costs on their limited incomes.
Dittrich also calls for broader legislative actions before the upcoming Bundestag elections, including reforms to tax laws, energy pricing, and support for vocational training, while expressing concerns about balancing climate goals with economic competitiveness.