SWISS DRIVING LICENSE

SWISS DRIVING LICENSE
To learn to drive, you need a provisional Swiss driver's license and pass a theory and practical test. New drivers receive a provisional Swiss driver's license. After completing the probationary period and several additional legally required courses, they receive a permanent Swiss driver's license. There are different driver's license classes for different vehicle types. An international driver's license is also available for driving abroad. Your provisional or permanent driver's license can be revoked if you commit a traffic violation. We save you stress, time, and money in obtaining a Swiss driver's license.

COSTS FOR THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE

There are various costs associated with driver training. Prices vary from canton to canton.

AVERAGE COSTS
The following list shows the average cost for the first attempt at a Class B driving license:

Eye test: 10 to 15 CHF
First aid course: 100 to 200 CHF
Theory manual: approx. 30 CHF
Theory test: 30 to 40 CHF
Learner's license: 20 to 80 CHF
Mandatory theory course: 200 to 280 CHF
Driving lessons (not mandatory, 45 to 50 minutes): 80 to 110 CHF
Practical driving test: 120 to 140 CHF
Driving license: 35 to 60 CHF
For further information, please contact the road traffic office in your canton.

APPLYING FOR A LEARNER'S LICENSE

If you're almost 18, you might be thinking about applying for a driver's license. Here's how to go about it:

Step 1: First aid course
You must attend a first aid course. The first aid certificate is valid for six years. You can apply for your provisional driver's license no earlier than one month before your 18th birthday. Contact your canton's road traffic office.

STEP 2: APPLICATION
Fill out the application form for a provisional driver's license (including the eye test). You can download it or pick it up from your canton's traffic office. You may also receive the form from your canton's residents' registration office.

Bring the completed application form (including the eye test), a valid eye test, a color passport photo, and your Swiss or foreign identity card to the nearest traffic office or residents' registration office. You must present the original documents; copies are not accepted.

APPLYING FOR A PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENSE
STEP 3: THEORY EXAM
Once your application has been approved, you can register for the theory test. It's best to register online.

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

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

HOW LONG IS THE PROVISIONAL SWISS DRIVING LICENSE VALID?
The provisional driving license is valid for 24 months and cannot be extended.

WHAT YOU ARE ALLOWED TO DO WITH YOUR PROVISIONAL SWISS DRIVING LICENSE
You may drive under the supervision of a person over 23 years of age who has held a Swiss driving licence for at least three years and has completed the probationary period.

ACCOMPANIED DRIVING PRACTICE – RULES
AGE AND DRIVER'S LICENSE
If you wish to accompany a learner driver, you must:

be at least 23 years old and
have held a driving licence of the same category as the vehicle you drive for at least three years.
Holders of a Swiss provisional driving license are not entitled to accompany a learner driver.

ON THE WAY
In road traffic you must:

ensure that your companion drives safely and observes traffic rules and
can easily reach and operate the handbrake (except on the training ground and when reversing and parking).
Learner drivers are liable for avoidable traffic violations in accordance with their driving skills. Accompanying drivers are liable for criminal offenses if they violate their duties.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL
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
During the driving test, an L-plate (white lettering on a blue background) must be clearly visible on the rear of the vehicle. It must be removed at all other times.

INSURANCE
Only vehicles covered by liability insurance may be driven.

RIDING
Carrying passengers is generally permitted, but restrictions apply to certain vehicle categories.

Accompanied driving practice abroad
Learner's permits are valid in Switzerland, but not abroad. Therefore, please check with the relevant diplomatic mission or customs office for applicable regulations.