Driving license prices are exploding: Bremen is fighting high failure rates!

Driving license prices are exploding: Bremen is fighting high failure rates!

For many young people, getting a driving license is a significant step towards independence. But while the anticipation of getting your own driving license is great, the challenges that come with it should not be underestimated. The costs have increased noticeably recently, as Klaus Lüttig, the chairman of the Bremen Driving Instructors Association, explains. The main reasons for this are the general price increases since the corona pandemic and a doubling of personnel costs for driving instructors compared to ten years ago. In addition, today's traffic situation requires more driving lessons to teach student drivers how to deal with new road users such as e-scooters and e-bikes.

A current ADAC survey from 2023 shows that around 45% of learner drivers had to pay between 2,500 and 3,500 euros for their driving license, while around 13% even spent more than 3,500 euros. In Bremen, prices for a driving license start at 3,000 euros. Only 21% of respondents reported paying less than €2,500 if they got their driving license within the last six months. Lüttig expects a moderate price development in the next three years, although the ADAC does not rule out price increases. It should be noted that installment payments are usually not offered, which is why Lüttig advises considering loans from banks or specialized financial service providers.

Failure rates and exam problems

The harsh reality for many learner drivers is reflected in the current failure rates. In 2023, the failure rate in the practical exam was 38%, while in the theoretical exam it was as high as 43%. These numbers make it clear that the demands placed on examinees have increased. A similar picture emerges for 2024: almost every second learner driver failed the theoretical test, and over a third failed the practical test. These high failure rates not only increase the burden on students, but also increase costs, as multiple exam attempts may be required.

The increasing attempts at cheating on exams are also particularly worrying. In 2023, there were 48 reported attempts at cheating in the theory test in Bremen and 34 by June 2024. The most common methods are cheat sheets, technical aids and substitute tests. As a result, experts such as the TÜV Association are calling for stricter controls and sanctions to ensure road safety and protect the integrity of the tests.

Technological support and trends

In order to overcome the challenges, many driving schools now rely on digital tools such as driving simulators and apps. These are intended to help reduce failure rates by simulating more realistic driving behavior. For example, in the Flix driving school in Cologne, where students can work with a simulator without incurring additional costs. Nevertheless, it should be noted that digital tools cannot replace learning on the street.

The total cost of a driving license varies significantly depending on the region and driving school. According to an analysis, the cost of a class B driving license varies between 1,886 euros and 4,030 euros, depending on the number of driving lessons and test attempts required. These high sums and the increasing failure rates make it essential for many driving students to be well prepared for the exams. The use of apps and digital learning controls is becoming increasingly popular in order to optimize the acquisition of a driving license.

Finally, it remains to be seen how price trends and testing requirements will develop in the coming years. The hope remains that more comprehensive measures will be taken to make obtaining a driving license more affordable and successful for future generations.

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