Driving license tourism: How to save on your driving license abroad!

Driving license tourism: How to save on your driving license abroad!

The high costs of acquiring a driving license in Germany motivate many novice drivers to get their driving license abroad. The prices in other EU countries are often significantly cheaper than in Germany. The price range for a class B car driving license in Germany is between 2,500 and 4,500 euros. In comparison, obtaining a driving license is significantly lower in countries like Poland, where you pay between 650 and 1,000 euros. In Belgium, driving tests cost between 1,000 and 1,500 euros, while in Bulgaria and Estonia they vary between 1,600 and 2,000 euros and 1,000 and 1,700 euros respectively. In Greece the price ranges between 900 and 1,800 euros and in Ireland the cost can vary between 720 and 1,000 euros.

Statistics show that 50% of driving students in Germany fail the theory test, which may be another motivation to get a driving license abroad. A widespread phenomenon that has developed in this context is the term “driving license tourism”. This involves acquiring a driving license abroad, for example to avoid a blocking period or a medical-psychological examination (MPU) in Germany bussgeld-info.de explained.

Legal framework

Driving license tourism is legally possible within the EU under certain conditions. A driving license obtained in an EU country will be recognized in Germany if the applicant has been resident in the issuing country for at least 185 days and the test was taken after an existing ban in Germany had expired. However, national authorities may question the validity of a driving license obtained abroad, especially if the place of residence was not in the relevant country. The Federal Administrative Court has already decided that an MPU can also be ordered for foreign driving licenses and their use may be prohibited in Germany.

In addition, the European Court of Justice clarifies that the residence requirement must be met for a foreign driving license to be valid. An illegally acquired driving license, especially if it was obtained during an existing ban period in Germany, will not be recognized. Drivers in Germany should be aware of the legal risks associated with driving license tourism. Driving with an illegally obtained license is considered driving without a license, which can result in criminal penalties, including fines and even prison sentences of up to one year.

Financial considerations and alternatives

The rising costs of driving license training in Germany are alarming. According to the Federal Statistical Office, driving license costs rose by 5.8% from 2023 to 2024 and have increased by a total of 33% since 2021. In addition, vehicle insurance costs are rising dramatically, with an increase of 30.4% between 2023 and 2024. These developments are contributing to many teenagers and young adults looking for alternatives and considering getting their driver's license abroad.

The ADAC expresses concerns about the road safety of driving licenses from other countries and warns of potential problems that can arise from driving license tourism. Discussion over restrictive measures, possibly including mandatory driving tests for seniors and new EU rules for motorhomes and campers, is also intensifying.

It remains to be seen how the situation surrounding road transport subsidies will develop and what measures will be taken to ensure road safety, including in the context of driving license tourism.