Your timetable for an easy change of driving school in Germany
In Germany, attending a driving school is a prerequisite for obtaining a driver’s license. But not every driving school suits every learner driver. If you are faced with unprofessional driving instructors, boring theory lessons, a lack of simulator lessons or unexpected costs, don’t worry! You can change driving schools without losing your previous progress or getting into legal trouble. It’s important to choose a driving school that suits your needs, and you have the freedom to find one that will help you get your license with confidence.
Reasons to change driving school
Changing driving schools may seem costly, but in many cases it is the best option. A bad driving school can delay your progress and cause frustration. Here are some key signs that your current driving school may not be meeting your needs:
Long waiting times for driving lessons
Sometimes driving instructors are unpunctual or the timetable is poorly planned and not adhered to. As a result, learner drivers have to wait hours for their next driving lesson. These delays not only waste time and motivation, but also lead to previously learned material being forgotten.
Unprofessional driving instructors
If driving instructors rarely answer questions, seem constantly annoyed and remain strict despite giving clear answers, this can significantly affect your self-confidence as a learner driver.
High costs and hidden fees
Some driving schools charge higher fees than others. Occasionally, unexpected hidden costs can arise during the learning process, which can put a strain on your budget. Information on the costs of changing driving schools can also be found on the ADAC website.
Poor learning outcomes
Your learning progress suffers when a driving instructor is distracted by phone calls, leading to divided attention and slower progress. Often poor lesson plans, mismanagement, boring teaching methods and lack of simulator lessons lead to unsatisfactory learning outcomes.
Moving to another city
Moving house can be a reason for some learner drivers to change driving school. However, this can also lead to distractions and disrupt the learning process.
Regardless of the reasons that bother you, you should consider changing driving schools to find a driving school that will successfully guide you to your license.
Can I simply change driving schools?
The simple answer is: Yes! You can change driving schools, and it’s usually more straightforward than many people think. Many learner drivers hesitate because they fear losing their progress or being confronted with complicated legal procedures. In reality, you can switch to a new driving school with minimal disruption as long as you follow the necessary steps. A short and simple explanation can be found on this official subpage of the state capital Düsseldorf.
Steps to change driving school
1. contact another driving school for registration
If you are unhappy with your current driving school, research other driving schools in your area or ones you are considering. Find a driving school that meets your needs (offers the driving license course you want), has flexible schedules, offers available seats and has a good reputation. Check that they accept transfers of learner drivers. Contact them directly to inquire about availability, fees and how they handle learner driver changes.
2. cancel your current contract
Check the termination terms of your current driving school and submit a written notice of termination. Clarify any remaining fees or obligations before proceeding. Note that you cannot sign a new contract until you have officially submitted the termination letter for your existing contract.
3. request proof of training
Ask your current driving school for all relevant documentation, including proof of driving lessons completed, theory tests passed and other proof of training. It is essential to transfer your driving lessons when changing driving schools so that you can continue where you left off.
4. submit an application for a change of driving school
As soon as you have found a driving school that suits you better, fill in their application for a change of driving school (many driving schools offer a change of driving school form online, which makes the application process easier). If your new driving school accepts transfer students, provide them with the necessary documents from your old driving school.
5. take advantage of special offers
When switching driving schools, learner drivers often face challenges such as adjusting to a new environment and worrying about the cost of switching driving schools. To make this transition easier, check to see if you are eligible for discounts or special promotions that can reduce driving school switching costs.
Are there any costs when changing driving school?
The cost of switching driving schools is a necessary expense, but it’s small compared to the value you’ll get from getting your license and learning safe driving skills from the right institution. Possible costs may include:
- Registration fees for the new driving school (may be reduced if you have already completed theory and driving lessons)
- Transcription fees at the driving license office
- Wenn Sie die Fahrschule wechseln, müssen Sie eine Gebühr in Höhe von 23 Euro beim TÜV entrichten (weitere Informationen hierzu finden Sie auf der Seite des Bundesministeriums für Digitales und Verkehr (BMDV)
Note: If you change driving school, your previous provider is usually obliged to issue a training certificate. There should be no additional fees for this service.
Finding the right driving school for the change
When choosing a new driving school, it’s important to find one that meets essential standards. Look out for:
- Short waiting times between driving lessons
- Professional driving instructors who are patient and give constructive feedback
- Transparent and fair prices to avoid hidden fees
- Local rankings and reviews of the driving school on comparison portals such as werkenntdenbesten.de
Many driving schools offer special deals for learner drivers who change driving schools. Fahrschule Abgefahrn, for example, offers a reduced registration fee of €160 instead of €260 for transfer students, keeping the cost of changing driving schools manageable. This helps you to continue your driving training with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Will you lose your progress?
A common concern when changing driving schools is whether any of your previous achievements will be recognized. Rest assured that most driving schools will take your driving lessons and theory test passes as long as you can provide the relevant evidence. Ask your new driving school how they deal with transfer students to ensure that you can pick up where you left off.
How long does it take to change driving schools?
Changing driving schools usually takes one to two weeks, depending on how quickly your current driving school processes your termination and how soon your new driving school receives your change of driving school, application and documents. To avoid unnecessary delays, prepare all the necessary documents before the process begins.
Conclusion
Changing driving school is easier than many people think. If you are unhappy with your current driving school, don’t hesitate to switch driving schools to increase your chances of successfully obtaining your license. With the right preparation and knowledge of the steps, you can seamlessly switch to a driving school that suits you better without losing your previous progress.
