Driving license is getting more expensive
The cost of obtaining a driver's license has become a sensitive issue in recent years, particularly for young people and their families. Recent analysis shows that prices continue to rise.
The trend of significantly higher costs for driving schools and driver's license exams in Germany is ongoing. Prices increased by 7.6 percent last year compared to 2022, according to the Federal Statistical Office. In comparison, overall consumer prices rose by 5.9 percent during the same period.
"In previous years, driving school and driver's license prices had already risen significantly above average," the statisticians found. In 2022 alone, there was an increase of 10.8 percent - the strongest increase since the beginning of the time series in 1992. In 2021, drivers had to pay an average of 9.6 percent more. For comparison, the inflation rate was 6.9 percent in 2022 and 3.1 percent in 2021.
"Driving schools can determine the prices for their services themselves and must make them transparent, there is no flat rate," explained the Federal Statistical Office. "Fees such as those of the TÜV are fixed."
The ADAC mobility club recently estimated the cost of obtaining a driver's license at up to 4,500 euros. However, there are significant regional variations. The final price also depends on the talent or skills of the driver, which can affect the number of required driving lessons before the exam.
The ADAC specifies the basic fee at 350 to 565 euros, which covers the theoretical instruction. Driving lessons cost about 55 to 77 euros each, special trips 60 and 95 euros, and learning materials 88 to 119 euros. The registration fee for the theoretical exam is between 60 and 137 euros, and for the practical exam, it is 160 to 289 euros. Additionally, higher costs are possible, as the fees for the exams themselves also apply - at least another 150 euros in total.
The issue of high driver's license costs has also reached the political arena. The CDU believes that digital and modern driver training methods, such as driving simulators, could help lower prices. When asked about a reduction in costs in a Q&A session following an ARD summer interview in June, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, "Honestly, I don't have an answer."
Higher costs for motor vehicle insurance
Similarly, the costs for driving schools and driver's licenses, the prices for motor vehicle insurance, as well as repairs, inspections, parking fees, and similar services increased last year. Motor vehicle insurance cost an average of 8.3 percent more than in 2022. For repairs, inspections, parking fees, and similar services, drivers had to pay 7.7 percent more last year.
The trend could even worsen, as current data shows: In July 2024, traffic insurance prices increased by 29.4 percent compared to the previous year, while vehicle maintenance and repair costs rose by 5.9 percent. Overall inflation was only 2.3 percent.
The high costs of obtaining a driver's license have led many individuals to consider alternative modes of transportation, such as using public transportation or carpooling. Despite these options, many still rely on cars for their everyday needs.
The high cost of motor vehicle insurance, coupled with the rising prices of driving lessons and driver's license exams, has made owning and operating a car increasingly expensive.
