Overview
- KBA president Richard Damm says development of a digital driving licence in the i‑Kfz app is in its final phase with a public presentation planned for Q4 2026 and later inclusion in the EU EUDI‑Wallet in early 2027.
- The i‑Kfz app already stores the digital vehicle registration and has about two million downloads, and the current plastic card will remain available for those who do not use the app.
- The Bundes cabinet approved a wide licence‑training reform in May 2026 that now goes through rulemaking with the aim of taking effect in early 2027, introducing fully digital theory lessons, more simulator use, and pilots for private practice.
- Advocates and regulators stress that the reform will keep the same competency requirements for passing tests despite shorter minimum practical exam time and a smaller theory question pool, and safety checks will remain in hands of examiners.
- Neighbouring countries are moving on separate timetables: Austria’s licence changes take effect on 1 September 2026, and Italy has removed proposed automatic age‑based restrictions after public scrutiny, underscoring varied national approaches to senior drivers.