Swiss driver’s license
You can drive in Switzerland using your foreign driver’s license for up to 12 months, as long as you are at least 18 years old. Once this 12-month period is up, you will need to exchange your license for a Swiss driver’s license.
Switzerland allows those from the European Economic Area (EU plus Iceland, Norway, and Lichtenstein) to exchange their foreign driver’s license for a Swiss equivalent without having to take a test, as long as it is exchanged within 12 months of taking up residence in Switzerland.
Those from outside the EEA will need to take a practical driving test in Switzerland after 12 months in order to exchange their license. Nationals from certain non-EU countries also have to take the Swiss driving theory test.
If your driver’s license is in a language not recognized by Swiss authorities (English, French, German, or Italian), you need to carry either an International Driving License, which is a translation of your driving license.
how to get a swiss driver’s license
The Swiss driver’s license for cars is known as a Category B driving license. In order to get this, you first need to obtain a provisional license, which you can apply for one month before your 17th birthday.
To apply for a provisional license, you must:
- Attend a 10-hour first-aid course by a certified instructor (information is available from your canton’s road traffic office)
- Complete an application form and take it to your canton’s road traffic office along with a valid ID, a passport photo, and a valid eye test
- Pass the Swiss driving theory test
You will then receive your provisional Swiss driver’s license, which is valid for two years. During this time, you can drive under the supervision of someone who is at least 23 years old and has completed their three-year driving probation period.
How much does a driving license cost in Switzerland?
| What? | Costs | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Passport photos | CHF 10 at a photo booth | 1 year |
| Eye test | CHF 20 | 2 years |
| First aid course | CHF 100 to 200 | 6 years |
| Provisional licence | CHF 25 to 50 Some cantons charge separately for the application and the issuance of the provisional licence. There may therefore be additional costs. |
2 years |
| Theory test | CHF 30 to 40 | unlimited |
| Driving lessons | CHF 80 to 100 per driving lesson. Cheaper when booking multiple lessons. Average in Switzerland: approx. 30 driving lessons |
unlimited |
| Traffic awareness theory course (VKU) | CHF 120 to 300 It is often cheaper if booked as a package with driving lessons. |
unlimited |
| Practical test | CHF 120 to 135 | unlimited |
| Probationary driving licence | CHF 30 to 45 | 3 years |
| Additional training course (WAB) | CHF 350 to 500 | unlimited |
| Approximate total cost | CHF 3,205 to 4,300 |
How long does it take to get a Swiss driving license?
If you pass the test, you will receive a stamp on your provisional license, immediately permitting you to drive in Switzerland unsupervised. You should receive your probationary Swiss driving license within 10 working days. If you fail the test, you need to wait one month before retaking it.
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