Over 100.000 new drivers on Swiss roads in 2021

Last year, 107.130 new drivers took to Swiss roads after passing their driving test or converting their licence. While last year saw thousands get their licence for the first time, over 76.000 drivers in Switzerland lost their licences, mainly due to speeding fines.

More than 6 million people in Switzerland know how to drive

At the end of 2021, there were 6.143.131 drivers qualified to operate passenger cars in Switzerland, 87.561 more than the end of 2020. Over 107.000 people received their Swiss driver's licence for the first time last year, 26 percent more than the previous year. This means that over 70 percent of the Swiss population knows how to drive.  

The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) attributed the increase to reforms to how drivers tests are performed, with learners being able to get behind the wheel from the age of 17. COVID was also blamed for the new influx, as pandemic restrictions on drivers academies were lifted.

Speeding and drunkenness the main reasons for revoked licences 

While some celebrated passing their test, the report found that 76.750 people had their licences withdrawn in 2021. However, the latest figures are well below FEDRO's target of under 80.000 licences revoked a year.

The top reasons for licences being lost in Switzerland were speeding, drunkenness and endangering third parties through inattentiveness. Among other infractions, the report also found that 1.511 licences were revoked due to motorists being distracted by eating or making calls on mobile phones.