Germany's Driving Licence Reforms Spark Cost and Safety Debate
Kurt Bartels, deputy chair of the Federal Association of Driving Instructor Guilds (BVF), has raised concerns over Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder's planned driving licence reforms. The proposed changes include new safety courses and mandatory counselling, but critics argue they fail to address key issues like cost and road safety goals. Under the reforms, learner drivers will be required to complete a safety course before taking their test. Parents of young drivers will also need to attend a briefing session. Additionally, mandatory traffic psychology counselling is set to become part of the process.
Bartels has questioned whether these measures will actually reduce the cost of obtaining a licence. He also pointed out that the counselling sessions are unlikely to be free, adding to the financial burden on learners. The reforms have drawn further criticism for allegedly contradicting Germany's *Vision Zero* road safety strategy. Bartels claims the changes do not align with the long-term goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
The proposed reforms introduce new requirements for learner drivers and their families. However, concerns remain over their impact on affordability and road safety targets. The government has not yet confirmed how many federal states support or oppose the plans.
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