Learning to drive in Switzerland is a multi-stage process that will allow you to operate cars and motorbikes. There are many different steps involved in applying for a driving licence, including medical examinations, theory exams and practical road tests. This page walks you through the process of learning how to drive in Switzerland.
The official driving age for most cantons in Switzerland is 18. The exception to this rule is for category A licences for mopeds under 150cc, which you are allowed to drive at 16. Once you are old enough, you are ready to get started with getting your Swiss driving licence.
The first step in learning to drive in Switzerland is to apply for a provisional driving licence. A provisional licence allows you to start learning how to drive in the company of a trained driver over the age of 23. There are several steps required to gain a provisional licence:
In order to apply for a provisional driving licence, the applicant must have attended and passed a first aid course. These courses are valid for six years from the date when you passed. Courses can be found privately or through the road traffic office in your local canton. It is recommended to complete the first aid course before you start filling in the application form for a provisional driving licence.
In addition to filling in an application form from your canton of residence, you are also required to submit an eye test. This test is to make sure that you will be able to accurately read road signs and spot other cars while driving.
If you plan on learning to drive larger vehicles such as lorries and heavy machinery, you must provide a recent eye test and submit to a medical examination. This is in order to make sure that you have the mental and visual ability to operate a vehicle. This may also apply if you are applying for a provisional licence in old age. These tests can be arranged before you apply through your doctor or general practitioner.
If your application form for a provisional driving licence is accepted, you will be then able to apply for the driving theory test in Switzerland. These tests are designed to test your knowledge of road signs, driving manoeuvres, and driving etiquette in Switzerland.
The consists of 50 multiple-choice questions taken on a computer, with each right answer worth three points. The maximum score is therefore 150, and you must receive fewer than 15 penalty points to pass. You have 45 minutes to take the test.
The tests are available in all cantons and many offer the option to do the theory test online. Contact your cantonal office to book a theory test. There are a number of apps that you can use to help you prepare for the theory exam.
Some cantons in Switzerland now offer the theory test in English, as well as in the official languages. These cantons are:
The cost of the driving theory test varies by canton, but is usually around 30 francs.
If you pass your theory test, you will receive a provisional licence through the post a few weeks later. Once you have a provisional licence you are able to start learning to drive.
If you fail your Swiss driving theory test - and many people do! - you are allowed to take it as many times as you like, as long as you allow two weeks between each test.
It's worth noting that your eye test is only valid for two years, and your first aid course is valid for six years, so keep these deadlines in mind. If you take longer to pass your theory test, you may need to repeat either the eye test or the first aid course.
A provisional licence must be renewed every four to 24 months depending on the type of licence you choose, if you have not received a full licence by the expiry date.
Provisional licence holders must follow strict rules when learning to drive. This extends to their teachers as well who must ensure the safety of all other road users. The rules for provisional licence holders are:
The next step after getting a provisional licence is to learn how to drive. Driving instructors are numerous in Switzerland and will be more than happy to teach both automatic and manual cars.
Although new to Switzerland, some driving instructors, mainly near the major Swiss cities, have started to speak English during lessons. Some of the instructors that speak English are:
It is recommended to take at least 10 driving lessons before attempting a practical driving test in Switzerland. It is essential that you prepare in advance as multiple tests can lead to further delays and penalties in the future. Y
ou can book a practical driving test online through your canton of residence's traffic office. It is recommended to book your test at least six weeks in advance. It is advised to avoid the peak summer months of June and July as these are the times when bookings will be in high demand.
It is also advised to not book the test during the winter months of November through to February due to the significant chance of snow. This is one of the reasons why motorbike tests can only take place during the summer.
There are several different items that you must bring to your practical driving test. These are:
The cost of a driving test in Switzerland varies depending on which licence you are applying for. Generally, licences for smaller vehicles are cheaper than larger vehicles, lorries and large machinery. This means costs can range from 80 Swiss francs to 500 Swiss francs for each test.
If you do not pass your test the first time, you are expected to re-book for another test in at least a month's time. This test will run in a similar way to the last and will give you another opportunity to get your driving licence.
If you fail your test more than once, the following action is taken:
If you passed your practical test, congratulations! You are fully qualified to drive in Switzerland and will receive your new Swiss driving licence in the few weeks after your test. Once you are qualified, you can explore buying a car, importing a car from abroad and accessing car insurance. Your first licence will be valid for a period of three years, being extended to life upon renewal.