The year is speeding to a close, and motorists are heading straight into several changes: One of the biggest updates on the roads in 2026 will be the digital driver’s license. But there are also news in many other areas.
What’s new, what concrete changes await you, and what should you watch out for? We provide the key answers.
Digital driver’s license to be available from the end of 2026
The rollout of the digital driver’s license in the EU is not expected before 2030, but in Germany, it will likely be available as early as the end of 2026, according to ADAC. The i-Kfz-App is already usable to prove digital driver’s licenses. The legal framework has also been established for the digital vehicle registration certificate, making the app-based proof sufficient in this case.
For the digital driver’s license, however, it will take a bit longer: the necessary legislation has been initiated by the federal government. The digital version is intended to complement the existing driver’s license, not replace it - at least for now.
Driver’s license exchange from January 2026: these birth years are affected
The focus now shifts to the exchange of credit card-style driver’s licenses. On January 19th, the deadline expires for everyone whose license was issued between 1999 and 2001. The aim behind this is to standardize driver’s licenses across the EU, making them more secure and harder to forge. In Germany, the replacement of all licenses will be carried out in phases, with a final cutoff date of 19th of January 2033.
Pendlerpauschale to be increased
Good news for commuters: the Pendlerpauschale will increase starting 1st of January 2026. From then on, a flat rate of 38 cents per kilometer will apply from the very first kilometer. Until now, only 30 cents per kilometer could be deducted from taxes for the first 20 kilometers, with 38 cents applicable only from the 21st kilometer onward.
Financial incentives to buy electric cars
Owners of electric vehicles also have reason to celebrate. The exemption from motor vehicle tax for electric cars will be extended. For all electric vehicles registered after 31st of December 2025, the exemption from motor vehicle tax is set to apply until 2035. This means that anyone purchasing an electric car at the beginning of the year will not have to pay motor vehicle tax for nearly ten years. However, the necessary legislation still needs to be passed.
Furthermore, the federal government aims to further promote electric mobility in Germany and plans to support low- and middle-income households with subsidies for purchasing electric cars. According to Bild.de, these subsidies could amount to up to 4 000 euros for electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids.
Prices for diesel and petrol are increasing
According to the ADAC, motorists must prepare for rising prices at the pump. The reason: the CO2 price on gasoline and diesel will increase further in 2026. The ADAC expects a price hike of around three cents per liter for both diesel and petrol.
Will driver’s licenses finally become cheaper?
Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) is planning a reform aimed at reducing the costs of obtaining a driver’s license. According to his proposals, the question pool for the theoretical exam will be significantly shortened. Additionally, the mandatory in-person lessons at driving schools are set to be phased out, with a stronger focus on digital alternatives. For practical training, the minister intends to increase the use of driving simulators. The plans also include shortening the exam duration and reducing the number of compulsory special driving sessions. The driver’s license reform is enshrined in the coalition agreement between the CDU and SPD. Minister Schnieder told dpa: “Mobility must not be a privilege.”
More driver assistance systems to become mandatory
According to a European regulation, from 7th of July 2026, additional driver assistance systems will become mandatory in cars to prevent accidents. According to information from ADAC, this applies to the following systems:
- Emergency braking assistance to protect pedestrians and cyclists
- Driver attention warning system for decreasing concentration
- Emergency lane-keeping assistant requirements will also apply to vehicles with hydraulic power steering
- Enhanced pedestrian protection through an extended head impact protection area
Next-generation eCall to become mandatory
Starting January 2026, newly developed passenger cars and light commercial vehicles must be equipped with the digital emergency call system "Next Generation eCall." The system uses modern mobile communication standards to automatically alert emergency services in the event of an accident. From 2027 onward, this requirement will apply to all new vehicle registrations.
Liability also extends to software
A new product liability law is set to come into effect on 9th of December 2026. According to the legislation, manufacturers will be held liable not only for the physical product but also for software and the use of artificial intelligence. For drivers, this could mean that in the event of an accident caused by a failure of an assistance system, the liability may in future rest with the manufacturer.
New emission standards
Starting 29th of November 2026, the stricter Euro 7 emissions standard will come into effect for newly developed passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. For the first time, it will also regulate ultrafine particles, include tire and brake wear, and impose tougher requirements on the durability of exhaust after-treatment systems and batteries. The standard will apply to all new vehicle registrations from the end of 2027.