Overview

• Driving license fees rose by 5.8 percent in 2024, with total costs reaching up to €4,500 per candidate according to the Federal Statistical Office and ADAC.
• Schnieder’s planned roundtable will bring together federal ministries, state governments and industry associations to pinpoint cost drivers and develop targeted measures.
• Inflation-driven increases in fuel, vehicle and instructor expenses, combined with fees for multiple lessons and exam retakes, have fueled the sharp price hikes.
• Experts urge state subsidies for driving education and enhanced early mobility training to reduce lesson requirements and failure rates.
• High license costs disproportionately affect rural residents and families, threatening access to employment, schooling and essential services without more affordable options.