New driving licence rules spark fierce debate over safety and costs
New driving licence rules have sparked debate among instructors and officials. Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder recently proposed changes to cut costs, including family-supervised practice and simulator training. Critics argue these measures could put road safety at risk.
The updated rules would allow learner drivers to log 1,000 kilometres with their parents after passing the theory test and completing six hours with a professional instructor. Schnieder claims this will make learning to drive more affordable.
Hildegard Schulz of Fahrschule Kögl has strongly opposed the idea. She dismisses family-supervised practice as a 'certificate of lies' and warns that the changes make passing the practical exam nearly impossible. Schulz does, however, support streamlining the theory test questionnaires. Martina Meier, head of kmh Driving School, shares concerns about safety. She also rejects driving simulators, citing their high cost—around €30,000—and the long time needed to recoup the investment. Both instructors agree that the new approach risks compromising road safety.
The proposed changes aim to reduce the financial burden of getting a licence. But driving schools and some professionals argue that cutting costs could lead to less prepared drivers. The debate continues as the government considers how to balance affordability with safety.
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