The summer holidays offer many young people the opportunity to prepare for their driving test. But what was once a standard step towards adulthood is now increasingly a financial challenge.
District – According to the Federal Statistical Office, the prices for driving schools and driver's license fees rose by more than seven percent between 2022 and 2023. In extreme cases, the cost of a driver's license can now be over 4,500 euros, according to the ADAC. There is currently no end in sight to this price spiral.
Andy Hohenadel, owner of the ABC driving school in Peißenberg, also observed a worrying trend: “Fewer and fewer young people are currently opting for a driver's license.” “That has indeed changed,” reports Hohenadel. The reasons for this are not yet fully clear, but possible explanations could be rising costs, increasing car sharing among friends or longer-term support for older people when driving.
A look at the breakdown of costs shows why a driver's license is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many young people. First of all, there is a basic fee, which according to the ADAC ranges between 350 and 565 euros and covers the theoretical lessons. The biggest cost factor, however, is the driving lessons. These cost on average between 55 and 77 euros per 45 minutes. At the ABC driving school in Peißenberg, the price per driving lesson is 71 euros. But this amount is not part of the driving school's net income, as Hohenadel explains: “From the 71 euros, we have to pay the driving instructor, car insurance premiums, income and value added tax, fuel and of course the cars themselves.”
Vehicle prices in particular have risen sharply in recent years. “They have literally exploded recently,” lamented Hohenadel. Additional costs arise from special trips that are required to obtain a driver's license.
Hohenadel recommends that learner drivers motivate themselves to get their driver's license as quickly as possible: “If you are motivated, you can get a driver's license pretty quickly.” But despite self-motivation, additional costs cannot be avoided. Learner drivers must also expect to pay up to 120 euros for learning materials such as books, online media and access to driver's license apps. Anyone who needs to take the practical test and additional driving lessons will have to dig deep into their pockets. Retraining lessons, which are offered by some driving schools, are also expensive.
Despite the high costs, according to the ADAC, there are ways to reduce the costs of a driver's license. Driving students should compare the offers of different driving schools to find the best prices and conditions. At a time when a driver's license is no longer the highest priority for many young people, it is all the more important to carefully consider the financial aspects.
Stay up to date with the most important stories with the Kreisbote newsletter every day at the end of the day or with the new “Kreisbote” app.
