Leewe driving school / Steinfurt district
Driving school reform 2027
What is planned - and what currently still applies
The planned driving school reform is causing many learner drivers, parents and interested parties to ask questions: Does it already apply? Will the driving license be cheaper? Should we wait?
It is important to note that the reform is in preparation, but not yet finalized in all details. Currently, the existing rules continue to apply.
Update July 14, 2026: The Federal Council issued its opinion on the draft bill on July 10, 2026. As a result, the reform has not yet taken effect. The previous rules remain in effect until the final promulgation.
We summarize the current situation here – for learner drivers, parents and interested parties in Steinfurt and the Steinfurt district.
Driving school reform 2027: briefly explained
Theory
More digital options, attendance requirement to be dropped.
Questionnaire
Practice
Special trips
Fewer rigid special trips: the fixed number is to be dropped. However, overland, highway and night-time driving should remain part of the training.
Examination
Costs
The aim is to make driving licenses more affordable and increase price transparency – but it is not guaranteed to be cheaper.
Current
Our recommendation:
If you need your driver’s license soon, you shouldn’t just wait for the reform.
Current status today
The reform of driver’s education is still moving through the legislative process: On May 20, 2026, the Federal Cabinet approved the draft bill to amend the Driving Instructor Act and other road traffic regulations.
In addition, on June 10, 2026, the Cabinet approved the regulation on the modernization of driver’s education. The Bundesrat issued its opinion on the draft bill on July 10, 2026. A provision is only binding once it has been finally adopted, published, and entered into force.
Until then, the existing rules for theory, practical training, special driving sessions, and exams will continue to apply.
What is the current fact?
- The driving school reform is officially being pursued.
- The Federal Cabinet adopted a draft bill on 20.05.2026.
- In addition, on June 10, 2026, the Cabinet approved the regulation on the modernization of driver’s education.
- The bill and the regulation are currently going through the legislative process.
- On July 10, 2026, the Federal Council issued its opinion on the draft bill.
- The reform has not yet taken effect.
- Currently, the existing rules for theory, practice, special trips and tests continue to apply.
What is planned?
Discussed or proposed are:
- More digital possibilities in theory
- fewer theoretical questions
- Less rigid special trips (overland, highway and night trips remain part of the training)
- Simulators as an additional option
- Additional driving experience with a close relative as a pilot project
- Shorter driving time in the practical test
- Public transparency register for prices and audit success
Important: Planned does not yet mean decided.
What is still open?
- which changes from the Federal Council's statement of July 10, 2026, will be incorporated into the further proceedings
- when the new rules will actually come into force
- which transitional regulations apply to training courses that have already begun
- how digital theory is put into practice
- how the planned driving practice with related parties is regulated in detail
- whether and to what extent the driving license will actually become cheaper for individual learner drivers
Important: A cheaper driver’s license is not guaranteed.
What applies to ongoing training courses?
For learner drivers who are already registered or would like to start now, the following currently applies: Training continues in accordance with the rules currently in force.
Anyone who is already attending theory lessons, taking driving lessons or working towards test dates should not break off, pause or wait unnecessarily just because of the reform.
Our assessment
We believe that the direction of the reform is fundamentally understandable: more digitalization, less bureaucracy and better planning can make sense.
Nevertheless, it remains crucial that learner drivers learn to drive safely, independently and responsibly.
Anyone who needs a driver’s license for school, training, studies, work or everyday life should not make their decision dependent on uncertain individual reports.
- The current rules continue to apply in the short term.
- Not every planned change is implemented in exactly the same way.
- Good practical training remains important.
- If you need mobility soon, you shouldn't wait.
Should you wait to get your driver's license?
In most cases: not automatically.
If you need your driver’s license in the next few months, it usually makes more sense to start planning than to wait for changes that have not yet been finalized.
Rather not wait if
- you will soon need your driver's license for school, training, studies or work
- you are dependent on mobility in the Steinfurt district
- you are already registered or already have driving lessons
- you need planning security
Waiting can be checked if
- you don't need your driver's license until much later
- you have no time pressure
- you consciously want to wait for possible changes
- you accept that the timing and details are open
Important: Waiting is no guarantee of lower costs, faster exams or easier training.
Unsure whether you should start now?
Current
rules
Examination
Request
Training
Profession
School
Together we will find out whether it makes sense to start now – realistically, honestly and without pressure.
Current status
of the reform
Personal
consultation
Better planning &
more security
We are here for you!
Frequently asked questions about the 2027 driving school reform
Here you will find practical answers to the most important questions about the planned driving school reform. The focus is not on speculation, but on a clear assessment for your personal planning.
Should I wait to register because of the driving school reform?
Can I safely save money by waiting?
What currently applies?
Does the reform affect my current training?
Will special trips be discontinued?
Will theory be completely online in future?
Will parents be allowed to take over driving lessons in future?
How do I find out whether I should start now?
Does the reform already apply?
Will the reform come at the beginning of 2027?
Initially, a possible launch date in early 2027 was publicly mentioned. The current draft bill sets July 1, 2027, as the date for many of the changes. However, this date will not be binding until the legislative process is complete and the law is officially enacted.
Questions? We will advise you calmly and honestly.
Are you unsure whether you should start or wait? Talk to us. We’ll explain what currently applies and what this means for your planning.
Sources and status of information
This page was last updated on July 4, 2026.
This is based on the currently available official information from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the press release regarding the Cabinet decision of May 20, 2026, Bundesrat Document 330/26 on the draft bill, Bundesrat Document 330/26(B) on the Bundesrat’s opinion dated July 10, 2026, and Bundesrat Document 365/26 on the regulation for the modernization of driver’s education.
