Almost every second learner driver fails the theory test

Last year, almost every second learner driver in Saxony failed their theory test. According to Dekra, the responsible technical testing center, more than 41 percent of all candidates failed the theory test last year. In 2010, the figure was 37 percent.

Since then, the proportion of learner drivers failing the theory test has risen continuously over the years. In all federal states in which Dekra is the responsible test center, the proportion of unsuccessful tests was 45 percent on average.

Language as a challenge

Reiner Nuthmann, Chairman of the Saxony-Anhalt Driving Instructors Association, also sees the problems in the theory test. Problems are particularly apparent for people who have not learned German as a native language.

Although the test can sometimes be taken in the national language, the rules are sometimes not easy for someone who was not born in Germany. The increased proportion of migrants among learner drivers is certainly one explanation for the sharp rise, especially among those who fail the theory test.

Learning behavior has changed

In addition, the learning behavior of the younger generation has also changed. There will therefore also be changes to theory lessons over the course of the year. "There is a modernization that is expected to produce better results," said Nuthmann. But it remains to be seen to what extent the proportion of online options can be increased in driving schools. Not every driving school in every region has fast internet.

"It is what it is," said Nuthmann. "Priorities have also shifted in some cases, and motivation plays an important role." For example, it is noticeable that the failure rate for moped driver's licenses, and therefore for younger learner drivers, is better than for car driver's licenses.

Teaching to be modernized

The Dekra data also shows that the number of driver's license tests has risen significantly in recent years. While there were still around 64,000 theory tests in Saxony in 2010, the number was more than 81,000 last year.

The proportion of learner drivers failing practical driving tests has also risen - although nowhere near as much as in the theory test. According to Dekra, around 32 percent had to repeat the test last year.