Overview

• Obtaining a driving licence now costs between €2,500 and €4,500 after three consecutive years of fee increases that outpaced inflation.
• The government plans to integrate more simulators and virtual theory lessons to improve pass rates and reduce required driving hours.
• Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder is pushing for greater price transparency in driving-school offerings but has rejected proposals for capping hourly lesson rates.
• High failure rates in theory exams (45%) and practical tests (37%) along with long waiting lists have driven candidates to take extra lessons and repeat exams.
• Implementation timelines remain uncertain as ongoing infrastructure priorities and coordination between federal and state authorities delay the rollout.