Swiss Driver’s License

SWISS DRIVER’S LICENSE
If you want to learn to drive you need to obtain a temporary Swiss driver’s licence and pass a theory and a practical test. Newly qualified drivers are issued with a probationary Swiss driving licence. They receive their permanent swiss driver’s licence at the end of their probation period and once they have passed several further statutory courses. There are different categories of driving licences for different types of vehicles. You can also obtain an international driving licence for driving abroad. Your provisional licence or permanent licence may be revoked if you commit a traffic offence. WE CAN EASILY SAFE YOU THE STRESS, TIME AND MONEY OF GOING TO THROUGH THE ABOVE PROCESS OF OWNING A SWISS DRIVER’S LICENSE.

COST OF LEARNING TO DRIVE

A range of costs are involved in learning to drive. Prices vary from canton to canton.

AVERAGE COSTS
The list below sets out the average range of costs to obtain a category B licence at the first attempt:

Eye test: CHF 10 to 15
First aid course: CHF 100 to 200
Theory handbook: approx. CHF 30
Theory test: CHF 30 to 40
Provisional licence CHF 20 to 80
Compulsory theory course: CHF 200 to 280
Driving lessons (not mandatory, 45 to 50 Min.): CHF 80 to 110
Practical driving test: CHF 120 to 140
Driving licence: CHF 35 to 60
Contact your canton’s road traffic office for further details.

APPLYING FOR A PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE

If you are nearly 18 you might be thinking about applying for a driving licence. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: First-aid course
You have to attend a first-aid course. The first-aid certificate is valid for six years. You can apply for your provisional licence one month before your 18th birthday at the earliest. Ask your canton’s road traffic office.

STEP 2: APPLICATION FORM
Fill out the provisional licence application form (incl. sight test) . You can download it or pick one up at your canton’s road traffic office. Your canton’s residents’ office might also be able to give you the form.

Bring the completed application form (incl. sight test), a valid eye test, a colour passport photo and your Swiss or foreign national ID card to your nearest road traffic office or residents’ registration office. You must produce the original documents, copies are not accepted.

APPLY FOR A PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE
STEP 3: THEORY TEST
Once your application is confirmed you can apply to sit the theory test. It is best to apply online.

In the cantons of Bern, Glarus, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Neuchâtel and Zurich you can also take the theory test in English. Please contact your local road traffic office for further information.

STEP 4: PROVISIONAL SWISS DRIVING LICENCE
Congratulations, you’ve passed your theory test! You will now receive your provisional Swiss driver’s licence.

HOW LONG IS THE PROVISIONAL SWISS LICENCE VALID?
The provisional licence is valid for 24 months and may not be renewed.

WHAT THE PROVISIONAL SWISS LICENCE ALLOWS YOU TO DO
You are allowed to drive under the supervision of someone over 23 years of age who has held a Swiss driving licence for at least three years and who has completed their probation period.

ACCOMPANIED DRIVING PRACTICE – RULES
AGE AND LICENCE
If you want to accompany a learner driver, you must:

be at least 23 years of age and
have held a licence in the same category of the vehicle you’re driving for at least 3 years.
Holders of probationary Swiss driving licences are not entitled to accompany a learner driver.

ON THE ROAD
When out on the road, you must:

ensure that the person you are accompanying drives safely and respects the rules of the road and
be able to reach and apply the hand brake easily (except when on practice ground, or when reversing and parking).
Learner driver are liable for avoidable traffic offences according to their level of driving skills. Accompanying drivers are liable for criminal offences if they are in breach of their obligations.

DRINK DRIVING
Neither the learner driver nor the accompanying driver may drive under the influence of alcohol (≥ 0.05 mg/l breath alcohol concentration or ≥ 0.1% blood alcohol concentration).

VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
An ‘L’ plate (white lettering on a blue background) must be fitted in a prominent position at the rear of the vehicle when driving practice is taking place. It must be removed at other times.

INSURANCE
Only vehicles covered by third party liability insurance may be driven.

CARRYING PASSENGERS
You are generally allowed to carry passengers, but restrictions apply for certain categories of vehicle

ACCOMPANIED DRIVING PRACTICE ABROAD
Provisional driving licences are valid in Switzerland, but not abroad. You should therefore enquire about the rules at the relevant diplomatic representation or customs office.