Overview
- The CDU parliamentary group in Lower Saxony filed the proposal on July 8 to allow experienced driving instructors who are not currently employed at a driving school to act as practical examiners for driving tests.
- Proponents say the change would reduce regional backlogs in test dates and spare learners from buying extra lessons while they wait for an appointment.
- The Fahrlehrerverband Niedersachsen signalled broad openness to the idea but warned that examiner shortages vary by region and that the exact number of additional examiners needed is unclear.
- The proposal is presented as complementary to a federal reform package that would digitalise theory lessons, cut the theory question catalogue and expand simulator use, but both measures require further legislation and detailed rules before taking effect.
- The debate is driven by rising licence costs that averaged around €3,000–€3,400 in recent years, and stakeholders say reforms will need safeguards for training quality, clear certification rules for new examiners, and regional planning to avoid shifting staff shortages.