Having a Swiss driving licence is essential if you would like to drive in Switzerland. You are able to use a foreign driving licence for up to a year before it must be exchanged for a Swiss licence. Each canton has its own traffic office with different rules for applicants. The process of exchanging a driving licence in Switzerland depends on the validity of your old licence and where it was issued.
For all nationalities, you can use your old licence for up to one year while you live in Switzerland, provided that your licence was issued by an authority deemed “competent” by the Association of Road Traffic Offices (ASA). This definition usually refers to licences from nations with rigorous tests. Do check with your local traffic office for more information.
Typically, most licences are valid for up to a year before they must be exchanged. If you wish to become a resident in Switzerland, it is best to apply for a Swiss driving licence as soon as possible.
If you are using your foreign driving licence (temporarily) in Switzerland, and if it doesn't mentioned the vehicle categories you are authorised to drive in Latin characters, you will have to apply for an international driving licence.
An international driving licence is a translation of your licence can be used if you are ever pulled over or given a speeding ticket while driving on Swiss roads or motorways. You can order an international driving licence from the road traffic office in your canton, or from the Automobile Club of Switzerland. It costs about 30 Swiss francs and is valid for three years.
If you are planning to live in Switzerland for longer than a year, it is recommended to simply apply for a Swiss licence instead.
You are able to continue to drive your imported car in Switzerland for more than 12 months, but you must have it re-registered with the ASA. The car will then be given Swiss licence plates after you complete the following:
If you plan to live in Switzerland for more than a year and want to drive, you must exchange your licence for a Swiss one. The process of exchanging a licence is dependent on the origin of your permit and what agreement your nation has with Switzerland.
Nationals of the European Union, European Economic Area and the United Kingdom are allowed to exchange their licence freely. Citizens of other nations must take some form of driving test in order to exchange their licences.
Many countries have agreements with Switzerland that allow nationals of these countries to exchange their licences after taking only a practical driving test. These nations are:
All other nations that are not on this list, in the EU, EEA, or the United Kingdom, must take both a practical and a theory test. In order to prepare for these tests, you can check out our guide to learning how to drive in Switzerland.
The exchange of a driving licence in Switzerland is done at the local traffic office in the canton where you are resident. There is typically one office per canton and it will have an online portal where you are able to book an appointment to exchange your driving licence.
In order to complete the exchange and get your Swiss licence, you must provide a number of documents. These are:
In addition to these criteria, obtaining a licence to operate lorries, heavy machinery or any heavy vehicle might also require a full examination from your doctor. This is to make sure that you are physically and mentally capable of driving heavy vehicles.
Once your application is complete and has been accepted, you will be issued with a Swiss driving licence. The licence can be sent to your address in the post or picked up from your local traffic office in the capital of your canton. Please be aware that you must surrender your foreign driving licence, which will either be sent back to your country of origin or destroyed.
The cost of exchanging a licence in Switzerland varies depending on your canton of residence and whether you require medical screening. On average, the cost of exchanging a licence ranges from 80 to 140 Swiss francs, plus 20 francs for an eye test. If you require a driving test, you will have to factor in this additional cost.
Swiss driving licences do not have an expiry date.
Once you have received a Swiss driving licence, you are legally allowed to drive the vehicles you are qualified for without renewing your licence until the age of 75. If you recently passed your driving test, you are subject to a probationary period of three years, but otherwise your Swiss licence is valid for life and must only be renewed once you reach the age of 75.
The only occasion when you will have to renew a Swiss driving licence is when you reach the age of 75. At 75, you will receive a letter from your local traffic office which will invite you for medical screening and an eye test. These tests are done to ensure that you still have the capacity to drive a vehicle safely. Thereafter, these tests are done every two to five years depending on your canton of residence.
Renewing a foreign driving licence in Switzerland is not possible. If you have a foreign driving licence that will expire soon, it is recommended that you apply for a Swiss one.
If you have lost your driving licence or it has been stolen, you must report the loss immediately to your local traffic office. If your licence is stolen, you must report the theft to your local police. Once this is complete, you can get a new one by providing the following documents to your local traffic office:
Your old licence will be invalidated immediately, and you will be sent a new one within a few weeks. During this time, you are not allowed to keep driving without a licence.