Driving test in Switzerland
Over six million people in Switzerland have a driving licence. Want to be one of them? You’ll find the most important information about learning to drive a car in Switzerland here.
iStock/Kemal Yildirim
đźš™ Getting your driving licence, step by step
They don’t just give driving licences away. Here you can see the necessary steps from the theory test to the “green L” – the probationary driving licence.
The first steps towards getting your driving licence are the following:
An eye test
A first aid course
Two passport photos in 35Ă—45 millimetre format
You can apply for your provisional or learner’s licence with the documents and application form from your canton.
Good to know: as of 2021, you can apply for your provisional licence from the age of 17.
Without a theory test, you are not allowed to drive on the road. Important information about your theory test can be found in our article: Theory test in Switzerland.
What you need to know:
You register for the exam after you have applied for the provisional licence.
You can drop a maximum of 15 out of 150 possible points.
There are several apps you can use to prepare for the exam.
Have you passed your theory test? Then you’ll get your provisional licence (also known as a learner’s permit) and can hit the road.
This also means you can take driving lessons. You can also practice driving with someone accompanying you.
Requirements for the accompanying person:
At least 23 years old.
Has held a driving licence for at least three years.
Full driving licence (not a probationary licence).
Has not consumed any alcohol.
Requirements for the car:
You need to put an L plate on the car (a blue square featuring a white “L”).
The car must have liability insurance.
The handbrake can be easily accessed by the person accompanying you.
Good to know : your provisional licence is only valid in Switzerland. You can’t use it to drive abroad.
The next step before the practical exam is the traffic awareness theory course (VKU). The VKU takes eight hours. Once you have successfully completed it, it is valid for two years.
Do you feel safe behind the wheel and have completed your VKU course? Great, now you can register for the practical exam!
Good to know: the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention recommends driving at least 3,000 kilometres before taking the practical exam.
Have you passed your practical exam? Congratulations! Now you have a probationary driver's licence. The following special rules apply to you for the next three years.
Your alcohol limit is 0.1 parts per thousand.
You must attend a further training course (WAB) within 12 months.
If your driving licence is revoked, your probationary period will be extended. The second time your licence is taken from you, it is permanently annulled.
Can’t wait to own your first car? We’ll give you tips on how to find your first car.
🤓 Important information about driving tests in Switzerland
Searching for information can be tedious. That’s why we’ve gathered important info here that you need to get your driving licence and your first car.
đź’¸ How much does a driving test cost in Switzerland?
Learning to drive in Switzerland doesn’t come cheap. We’ll show you what you can expect to spend in total.
Driving test in Switzerland: costs
| 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 Often cheaper when bought as a package deal 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 |
Please note: these figures are approximate. How much you actually pay depends mainly on your driving school. This is because driving lessons are the most expensive part of learning to drive.
Many driving schools require you to pay a flat rate for “driving school insurance”. Some also call this “mandatory”. However, this is not quite correct. Only the federal government can declare insurance as compulsory.
Driving schools have an insurance package that protects the teacher and the learner. The package includes:
Motor vehicle liability insurance
Casco insurance
Parking damage cover
Passenger accident insurance
However, driving schools also have additional administration costs. This includes, for example, registering and deregistering vehicles at the Road Traffic Office. This additional expense is covered by the costs of the “driving school insurance”.
Driving test with an automatic car: save on costs
You are allowed to drive manual cars, even if you took your driving test with an automatic vehicle. This allows you to save on costs.
Driving an automatic car is usually easier than a manual car. This means you usually need fewer driving lessons with an automatic.
Tip: there will be times when you have to drive a car with manual gearshift – for example when renting a car on holiday. Therefore, after you pass your test, take a few driving lessons with a manual car. This gives you a feel for the clutch and gear changes.
🛣️ Still want more?
Here’s more info from the Comparis universe.
