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Germany plans to allow drivers to ride motorbikes without need to take test

The Government wants to relax licence rules so that car drivers can ride motorcycles that reach speeds of over 100km/h without having to take a test, German media reported Thursday.

Published: 20 June 2019 10:37 CEST
Germany plans to allow drivers to ride motorbikes without need to take test
Two motorcyclists in Göttingen. Photo: DPA

It means everyone with a licence would be able to ride so-called light motorcycles without having to do additional exams, according to German news website Spiegel Online.

But the proposal, being put forward by Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer, has already come under fire from experts.

According to the draft amendment to the Driving Licence Rules viewed by Spiegel, the only requirement for drivers would be six practice hours and the completion of a theoretical training unit.

But accident experts are horrified by the proposal. There are no “sufficient reasons to relax the access to the second most dangerous vehicle class on German roads,” said a statement from the German Road Safety Council.

Figures show that more than one in five people killed on Germany's roads are motorcyclists, despite far fewer of them on the road compared with other drivers, The Local reported earlier this year.

Of the 3,265 people who died on roads nationwide last year, 699 were motorcyclists, according to the Federal Statistical Office.

READ ALSO: What you need to know about getting a German driving licence

What does it mean?

Spiegel reports that if the rules are changed then drivers would be able to extend their standard B-Class driving licence (B-Klasse-Führerschein) by a so-called key number (Schlüsselzahl) 195, which would allow them to ride light motorcycles. Typical manufacturers of these vehicles are Piaggio, Yamaha and KTM.

These lightweight motorcycles have a maximum engine output of 15hp but can travel at speeds of over 100 km/h. Previously, a separate A1 driving licence was required for this.

An examination and extensive training on the motorbike would no longer be necessary. Instead, under the changes, it'd be sufficient for the driver to complete a 90-minute theoretical unit and six practical driving lessons. The latter can take place outside road traffic, for example at a traffic training area.

Drivers must be at least 25 years old and have had their driving licence for at least five years.

Increase in accident victims

Experts say that more people will be killed or injured in motorcycle accidents if the changes go ahead.

It can be assumed that “there would be an increase in the total number of accident victims,” according to an analysis by the Federal Highway Research Institute (BAST) available to Spiegel.

Changing the current regulations is “not recommended from a scientific point of view,” researchers added.

It's not clear why Scheuer wants to relax the rules. The draft only states that the legislator wants to use the possibilities offered by EU law.

However, in addition to motorbike manufacturers, sharing providers would also benefit from the changes. For example, they could lend scooters to customers that are faster than the 45 km/h that have been the norm so far.

Neighbouring country Austria has already relaxed the rules but, according to BAST's analysis, this has led to a “deterioration in road safety”.

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DRIVING

What are the rules around driving a friend or relative’s car in Germany?

If you want to travel around in Germany, a friend, relative or maybe a neighbour might offer you their vehicle to use. But what does the law say about driving someone else's car in Germany?

Published: 11 September 2024 15:48 CEST
Updated: 12 September 2024 10:33 CEST
What are the rules around driving a friend or relative's car in Germany?

Many people in Germany do not have a car, especially those living in larger cities where public transport works well.

However, sometimes you might need one, whether it is to transport something or maybe to go on a trip through the country.

Fortunately, even if you do not own a car yourself, you can still drive someone else’s vehicle, whether it belongs to a relative, friend, or maybe a neighbour. You can obviously also rent one from a rental agency or through carsharing.

Valid licence and approval from owner

In Germany, motor vehicle liability insurance – or Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung – is linked to the vehicle and not to the driver. This means that the owner’s insurance normally covers anyone who drives the car – as long as they have permission and the insurance policy allows it.

Therefore, in principle, you can drive someone else’s car if you have the owner’s permission and, of course, a valid driver’s license.

However, you still need to read the fine print on the car’s insurance policy to make sure it doesn’t have any particular restrictions on additional drivers, as some policies might specify who is allowed to drive. Some policies will only allow one person to drive: the policyholder. If the policy allows additional drivers, you’re typically good to go.

This is also important if you rent a car in Germany. If you do, you’ll need to declare every driver who may potentially drive it and provide their licence information. If you plan on driving the car outside Germany, you’ll need to declare where. This typically increases the cost of the rental. If you use a carsharing service, only you can typically drive the car you’re renting.

While borrowing someone’s car, you should also have the vehicle’s registration documents and proof of insurance. If you forget the documents, you might need to pay a fine or face complications in the case of an accident or a ticket.

If an accident occurs, you need to contact the car owner. The owner’s insurance company will handle claims or damages.

READ ALSO: EU countries to extend range of offences foreign drivers can be fined for

Valid licence in Germany

To drive someone else’s – or indeed anyone’s – car in Germany, you need to have a valid licence.

If you have a valid German or another EU licence, this is straightforward.

EU driving licences on a table.

EU driving licences on a table. Having a valid licence is a legal requirement for driving in Germany. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Sina Schuldt

If you have a non-EU licence, you can typically drive on it in Germany for the first six months you’re here.

After six months of legal residence in Germany, you won’t be able to drive on your non-EU licence. You will need to convert your non-EU licence to a German one. You can check out The Local’s guide for how this is done.

READ ALSO: How do I convert my foreign driver’s licence into a German one?

Car insurance in Germany

If you own a vehicle in Germany, you’re required to have insurance on it.

The cost of your car insurance is based on a wide range of factors, such as driving experience, car engine size, and location.

Inexperienced drivers, high-powered cars, and drivers living in urban areas typically face higher insurance premiums.

Maintaining a no-claim driving record will lead to a lower fee, as it often leads to lower insurance premiums with your next insurer.

Car insurance premiums can vary quite widely in Germany.

You might be able to get some premiums for €400 a year or even lower. But again, this depends on the make and model of your car, its current estimated value, how old it is, how much experience you have driving and a host of other factors – including whether you allow additional drivers on it.

READ NEXT: Why drivers in Germany could face hike in car insurance rates next year

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