From January 1, 2026, Germany will make obtaining a driver's license cheaper by reducing the hours of training, shortening the exam, and introducing online courses.

Starting from January 1, 2026, Germany will implement significant reforms to make obtaining a driver's license more accessible. The total costs, which currently range between 3,000 and 4,000 euros, will decrease due to changes in the training process. Theoretical lessons will no longer be mandatory in classrooms, but can be taken online, thus saving time and money. The theoretical test will be shortened by eliminating one-third of the questions, and driving schools will be required to publicly post online the pass rates and course costs, facilitating the comparison of offers.

Regarding practical training, driving simulators will be introduced to replace some of the actual hours, and the minimum number of driving hours will be reduced. The practical exam will last at least 25 minutes, a shortening deemed necessary. The reforms have generated controversy, with some arguing that they will make the license more accessible, while others warn that reducing practical hours could affect road safety. The German government will monitor the effects of these changes in the first months after implementation.