Overview
- Industry groups and regional associations report steep declines of 50–70 percent in many areas, with some Thuringian cities citing drops near 80 percent, while rural regions remain comparatively stable.
- A January survey of 2,424 schools by Moving found 84 percent reporting fewer sign‑ups since November 2025, averaging a 54 percent fall, alongside widespread revenue losses, liquidity strains and staff cuts, echoed by reports from Hesse and Hamburg.
- The transport ministry’s outline includes fully digital theory classes, greater use of simulators, fewer mandatory special drives and a slimmer question catalogue, but the legislative process will not conclude before 2027.
- Driving‑school leaders doubt overall costs will fall, citing €30,000–€40,000 for simulators and the risk of more practical hours and repeat tests, while the average car licence currently costs about €3,400.
- Associations warn continued postponements could create a large testing backlog by 2027 and drive prices higher, even as Minister Patrick Schnieder urges learners not to wait and Länder discussions are slated for March.