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.

We summarize the current situation here – for learner drivers, parents and interested parties in Steinfurt and the Steinfurt district.

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Driving school reform 2027: briefly explained

Teenager learns driving license theory with tablet and notes.

Theory

More digital options, attendance requirement to be dropped.

Young learner driver concentrates with book, tablet and notes at his desk.

Questionnaire

The theory questions are to be reduced and revised.
Learner driver drives a gray Audi Q2 with license plate BF NL 3333 through the city, with the accompanying person sitting next to her.

Practice

Additional driving experience with a close relative is discussed.
gray Audi Q2 driving school car with license plate BF NL 3333 on a country road at sunset.

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.

Gray Audi Q2 with license plate BF NL 3333 in a driving situation with female driver and accompanying person.

Examination

Shorter driving time in the practical test is proposed.
Young man and adult woman check documents and calculate together at the table.

Costs

The aim is to make driving licenses more affordable, but this is not guaranteed.
Gray Audi Q2 driving school car with license plate BF NL 3333 seen from behind in normal city traffic.

Current

The existing rules will continue to apply until final implementation.

Our recommendation:

If you need your driver’s license soon, you shouldn’t just wait for the reform.

Current status today

The reform of driving school training is one step further: on 20.05.2026, the Federal Cabinet passed a draft bill to amend the Driving Instructors Act and other road traffic regulations.

However, it is important to note that the reform is not yet finally in force. The further legislative process in the Bundestag and Bundesrat is still pending. Only what has been finally passed, published and entered into force is binding.

For learner drivers, this currently means that theory, practice, special trips and tests will continue to follow the existing rules.

What is the current fact?

Resilient is current:
  • The driving school reform is officially being pursued.
  • The Federal Cabinet adopted a draft bill on 20.05.2026.
  • In addition, there is a draft bill on the modernization of driving school training
  • The legislative process has not yet been completed.
  • Currently, the existing rules continue to apply.

What is planned?

Discussed or proposed are:

  • More digital possibilities in theory
  • fewer theoretical questions
  • fewer compulsory special trips: planned are 1× overland, 1× highway, 1× night trip
  • Simulators as an additional option
  • Additional driving experience with a close relative under certain conditions
  • Shorter driving time in the practical test
  • More transparency in prices and audit success

Important: Planned does not yet mean decided.

What is still open?

  • whether the Bundestag or Bundesrat still demand changes
  • 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.

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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.

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Notebook with driver's license planning, smartphone calendar, car keys and pen on a desk.

Unsure whether you should start now?

We help you to assess whether it makes sense to register now. We look at your schedule, your mobility needs and the current status of the reform – realistically, honestly and without pressure.

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Together we will find out whether it makes sense to start now – realistically, honestly and without pressure.

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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.

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.
No. The aim of the reform is to make training more affordable. However, concrete savings for individual learner drivers are not guaranteed.
Currently, the existing rules for theory, practice, special trips and tests continue to apply.
Training courses that have already begun will continue in accordance with the existing rules. Binding transitional regulations have not yet been finalized.
No. According to the current status, special trips are not to be completely abolished. The plan is that there will no longer be a fixed legal number in future. However, overland, highway and night-time driving will continue to be carried out. The number of hours required will depend more on the learner driver’s level of ability and the driving instructor’s assessment.
More digital theory is planned. Driving schools are to be given more freedom to offer face-to-face, online or hybrid lessons. Currently, however, the existing rules continue to apply.
Not currently. Additional driving experience with a close relative under clear conditions is being discussed. This would not be a free replacement of the driving school. Details such as requirements, trip log and responsibility depend on the final regulation.
Your personal schedule is crucial: When do you really need your driver’s license? If you are unsure, we can help you make a realistic assessment.

No. The reform is being prepared politically and legally, but is not yet finally in force. Currently, the existing rules for theory, practice, special trips and tests continue to apply.

According to the Federal Ministry of Transport, the regulations should come into force at the beginning of 2027 if the further legislative process is completed without delays. This is a planned time frame, not a guarantee.

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.

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Sources and status of information

Status of this page: 08.06.2026.

This is based on the official information currently available from the Federal Ministry of Transport, the press release on the cabinet decision of 20.05.2026, the draft bill on the modernization of driving school training and information from the Federal Government and the German Bundestag.

The driving school reform is still in the political and legal process. As soon as binding changes have been decided, published and come into force, we will update this page.

Official sources:
Federal Ministry of Transport
Draft bill on the modernization of driving school training
German Bundestag

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