In 2021, the driving schools had to make up for a large backlog, but this catching-up effect is ebbing away this year. High fuel and personnel costs make the driving license more expensive.
More than 80,000 Austrians have already started their driving license this year. Last year that was more than ten percent more, now a comparable number are taking their exams as in 2019. “In 2021 there was a boom, a lot of people got their driver’s license, that’s over now,” says Joachim Steininger, head of the driving school department. He expects up to 20 percent less sales this year. Part of this is being eaten away by the increased costs. This is also confirmed by Christian Sigmund from the largest driving school group in Vienna, Rainer: “The fuel costs are very high, as are the personnel costs. There’s not much left,” he laments.
High fuel costs also emphasize the benefits of more electric driving school cars. Since these only have an automatic transmission, they are hardly suitable for exams, the proportion of graduates of automatic driving licenses is in the single-digit percentage range. “An easier switch from automatic to gearshift with a few driving lessons without a new test would therefore make sense,” said Werner Fichteringer of Easydrivers, whose franchises include nearly 60 driving schools. A solution is in the works, the response from the EU (driving license directive) is not forthcoming.
Driving license already costs around 1700 euros
Due to the high prices, many driving schools have already raised their prices. “In terms of prices, we haven’t done anything about the pandemic, but now we don’t have much to do,” Fichtinger said.
A driver’s license is generally an expensive affair. About 1700 euros has to be paid for the entire package. Compulsory units (60 to 70 euros per hour), theoretical units, examination fees and fees for doctor’s visits, authorities, etc. costs. Many parents take the time to get their children’s driver’s licenses. About 40 percent of student drivers learn to drive in this way.
Summer is likely to get weaker this year
Regardless of the type of education, summer is an important time. But after two very strong years, people are less optimistic this year. Many are planning vacations again. “The question is not so much whether there is enough time, but whether there is enough money for both. Some will give priority to holidays this year”, Sigmund suspects. Steininger also sees a difference between city and country: “In the cities the boom was bigger, now the decline is stronger.”
There is undoubtedly a downside for motorcycles this year: in 2021 almost 19,000 people obtained their A driving license and in times of the pandemic motorcycling is fashionable. But most of those who have decided to do this already have their license.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
