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Easy answers about life in Switzerland
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  • Driving licence
  • Learning to drive
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  • Vehicles and traffic
  • Driving licence
  • Learning to drive

Learning to drive

If you want to drive a car or a motorcycle, you need a driving licence. The road to obtaining one runs through exams and courses. Here you can find out how to get your driving licence. 

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Applying for a provisional licence

To learn to drive, you need a provisional licence. You can start the steps necessary to get one before your 17th birthday.

First aid course

You have to complete a first aid course before you can apply for your provisional licence. The first aid certificate is valid for six years.

Application

Normally, you cannot submit your application for a provisional licence until one month before your 17th birthday at the earliest.
You can download the application form from the website of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office in your canton of residence. There you will also find out where to submit your application.

Theory test

Once the authorities have acknowledged your application for a provisional licence, you can register for the theory test. In most cantons, you have to register online.
The cost of the theory test varies from canton to canton. Find out more at Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office in your canton of residence.
You can repeat the theory test as often as you like.
Once you have passed the theory test, you will receive your provisional licence.

Driving with a provisional licence

If you have a provisional licence, you may drive when an accompanying person is in the car with you. Those with provisional motorcycle licences may drive on their own.

Rules for the accompanying person

  • The accompanying person must be at least 23 years old, have passed their driving test at least three years previously and must no longer have a probationary driving licence.

  • On the road, they must ensure that safety is guaranteed and that traffic regulations are respected.

  • They must be able to reach and operate the handbrake easily.

  • An accompanying person who fails to fulfil these duties is in violation of the law. The novice driver, meanwhile, is responsible for any traffic violations that they should have known to avoid based on their driving education.

Further rules that apply to learner drivers

  • A blue plate with a white ‹L› must be clearly displayed on the rear of the vehicle. The plate must be removed when the learner is not driving.

  • Learner drivers may only use motor vehicles that are covered by third-party liability insurance.

  • Neither the learner driver nor the accompanying person may drink any alcohol before going for a drive. (A blood alcohol level of over 0.01% is over the legal limit.)

  • With the exception of commercial passengers, other people are allowed in a car while a learner is driving.

Validity of the provisional licence

  • The provisional licence is valid for 24 months for cars (category B) and for 4 months for motorcycles (category A).

  • Your provisional licence is only valid in Switzerland. Driving as a learner when abroad is also not advisable for insurance reasons.

Traffic skills course

The traffic skills course is compulsory. It lasts eight hours, spread over two to four days, and is run by driving schools and driving instructors.
You will need a valid provisional licence to attend the traffic skills course.
You can only register for the practical driving test once you have attended the traffic skills course. However, you do not need to attend the traffic skills course if you already have a category A, A1 or B1 driving licence.

The driving test

If you get your provisional licence before your 20th birthday, you will need to wait at least 12 months before you can take the practical driving test. An examiner will assess whether you can drive safely and follow the traffic rules. Your driving instructor is best placed to assess whether you are capable of passing the test. Without professional instruction, the driving test is almost impossible to pass.
You can register to sit your driving test at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office in your canton of residence.

Test requirements

You must take the practical driving test in a vehicle in the correct test category.
You must take the following documents with you to the test:

  • a valid identity document (passport, ID card or foreign national's ID card)

  • your provisional licence

  • your driving licence, if you are already allowed to drive another category of vehicle

  • the vehicle registration document for the test vehicle.

If you pass the test

If you pass the driving test, you will receive your probationary driving licence by post.

If you fail the test

If you fail the driving test the first time, then you can usually take it again after a month has passed.
Failing twice
If you fail the driving test a second time, you must present a certificate from a qualified driving instructor in order to register for the test a third time. The certificate must state that you have completed your driving training.
Failing three times
If you fail the practical driving test three times, you have to take a driving aptitude test if you wish to take the test again. If you fail the test again, your provisional licence becomes invalid. You will then have to pass a driving psychology test before you can take the test again.

Probationary driving licence

When you acquire a category A (motorcycle) or category B (car) driving licence for the first time, you will initially be issued with a probationary driving licence.

How long is the probationary period?

The probationary period lasts three years. If you commit a serious traffic violation during this period and are disqualified from driving, the probationary period will be extended by one year.

Refresher course

You must attend a one-day refresher course within twelve months of receiving your probationary driving licence.

Full driving licence

Once the probationary period is over and you have completed the refresher course, you can apply for a full driving licence. After that, no further tests are required.
Exactly how much it costs to get your driving licence depends on which canton you live in, how many lessons you take and how many attempts you need to pass the test. You can expect the following costs:

  • Eye test: 10 to 15 francs

  • First-aid course: 100 to 200 francs

  • Theory book (not compulsory): approx. 30 francs

  • Theory test: 30 to 40 francs

  • Provisional licence: 20 to 80 francs

  • Traffic skills course: 200 to 280 francs

  • Driving lessons (not compulsory, 45–50 min.): 80 to 110 francs per lesson

  • Practical driving test: 120 to 140 francs

  • Refresher course: 340 to 510 francs

  • Probationary driving licence: 30 to 60 francs

  • Full driving license: 15 to 70 francs

For more information on the exact costs, contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office in your canton of residence.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Offices:
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office in your canton of residence
Information from the Federal Roads Office:
Driving licence / Learning to drive (admin.ch) (not in English)
Association of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Offices: fuehrerausweise.ch - All about driving licences (not in English)
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