Renewal fee for driving license notably increased
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Rant on WhatsApp Group: 💔 The news that driving school costs keep skyrocketing is just another nail in the coffin. I feel like I'm drowning in debt trying to get my license. What happened to affordable education? 😠💡 #Germany #StudentDebt #Rant
For many young people in Germany, the dream of hitting the open road seems further away than ever, as the costs of obtaining a driver's license have increased steeply. Last year, the prices for driving school and driving license exams witnessed a 5.8% hike compared to 2023, with consumer prices overall climbing a mere 2.2% during the same period. Unfortunately, this trend has been on the rise, with prices rising significantly above the average in previous years [stats source].
"Driving schools can charge any price they see fit for their services, like theory lessons or driving hours, as long as they are transparent with their customers," explain statisticians. Ironically, the fees for the theoretical and practical driving license exams at TÜV or Dekra are set by law. The automobile club ADAC reports that costs for a car driver's license surpassing €3,500 are becoming increasingly common, with increased vehicle, fuel, and personnel costs being the primary reasons [ADAC source].
The demanding theoretical training, the need for numerous practical lessons, and the high failure rates in both tests contribute to the financial burden on young applicants [enrichment]. Despite calls for more efficient utilization of digital tools and simplification of the theoretical training, the shifts have not been widespread, leaving the young generation grappling with these high costs [enrichment].
But the struggle doesn't end there. Car insurance premiums also spiked last year, averaging 30.4% higher than in 2023. The good news is that the prices of new and used cars, including motorhomes, increased relatively moderately (2.9% and 1.3%, respectively) compared to the skyrocketing driving school costs [stats source].
In conclusion, the high costs associated with obtaining a driver's license and car insurance premiums make driving an unattainable luxury for many young individuals in Germany. It's time for policymakers to consider practical solutions to make driving accessible and affordable for the younger generation.
Source: ntv.de, rog/rts
- The escalating costs of vocational training for driving licenses in Germany, particularly the increased prices for driving school and exams, have risen significantly more than the average consumer price increase, according to statisticians.
- Despite the law-set fees for theoretical and practical driving license exams at TÜV or Dekra, driving schools in Germany can charge any costs they deem fit for their services, with the higher prices attributed largely to increased vehicle, fuel, and personnel costs.
- The financial burden on young applicants is further compounded by rising car insurance premiums, with an average increase of 30.4% compared to the previous year, while the prices of new and used cars have seen relatively moderate increases. This highlights the need for community policy to address these issues and make driving accessible and affordable for the younger generation in Germany.
