Surging Costs of Driver's License in Germany - Breaking Down the Expenses
Increasing costs in driving schools - exploring the price of obtaining a driver's license. - Increasing Cost of Obtaining a Driving License - Breakdown of Driving License Fees
It's no secret that getting a driver's license in Germany has become a pricey endeavor. According to the Federal Statistical Office, costs related to driving schools and tests have skyrocketed by an average of 5.8% in 2024 compared to the previous year, while inflation only rose by 2.2%.
The Ultimate Price Hike in 2021
Taking a closer look, you'll find that the Corona year 2021 saw a significant jump in prices, with a whopping 9.6% rise compared to a mere 3.1% inflation. Following this trend, service providers jacked up the prices by a staggering 10.8% in 2022, compared to a 6.9% inflation rate. This represents the highest increase since the start of statistics in 1991.
Adding it all up, the total cost of a driver's license in 2024 is about 38% more expensive than it was in 2020. However, keep in mind that the statistical office has not calculated an "ideal" cost for a driver's license, but instead provides the freely set prices decided by driving schools and the test fees charged by TÜV or Dekra. These components make up around 12% of the total cost.
No Standard Pricing for Driving Lessons
The way driving schools set their prices for theory lessons, driving lessons, and the practical and theoretical exams is entirely their prerogative. According to the statisticians, they are expected to disclose these prices transparently.
Semi-Transparent Costs
Here's a breakdown of the costs you might encounter on your journey to obtaining a driver's license, based on general estimates:
- Eyesight Test: €0 to €25
- Driving License Fees: €51.81
- Theory Lessons: around €150
- Theoretical Exam: €22.49
- Practical Lessons: around €50 for 45 minutes
- Practical Exam: approximately €150 for the driving school and €121.38 for TÜV/Dekra.
Factor in complexity of theoretical training, practical lessons, and the impact of economic conditions, and the total cost can range from €2,000 to €4,000.
- Driving School
- Coronavirus
- Germany
- Federal Statistical Office
- Driver's License
[1] Information from ADAC (Auto Club Deutschland) and the Federal Statistical Office.[2] Source: World Health Organization (2020).[3] German Transport Minister proposals, 2022.[4] German Federal Statistical Office (2022).
- In Germany, the Federal Statistical Office reported an average increase of 5.8% in costs related to driver's license education in 2024, while inflation only rose by 2.2%.
- The coronavirus pandemic year of 2021 witnessed a significant 9.6% rise in prices for obtaining a driver's license in Germany, compared to a mere 3.1% inflation.
- Statisticians assume that driving schools in Germany should disclose their prices for theory lessons, driving lessons, and exams transparently, according to community policy regulating the industry.
