Probationary driving licence: what you need to know
Since 2005, new drivers in Switzerland have been given a three-year probationary driving licence before they are entitled to get a full licence. We’ll show you which rules apply to this temporary driver’s licence, and how to pass the probationary period.
14.08.2023
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1. What is a probationary driving licence?
A probationary driving licence is the licence you receive when you first pass your driving test in Switzerland. It is also known as the “green L”. The probationary driving licence is for:
all persons born on or after 1 December 1987.
all persons, regardless of their birthday, who submitted an application for a category A (motorcycles) or B (passenger cars) provisional licence (also known as a learner’s permit) for the first time after 1 December 2005.
How long do you have a probationary driving licence for?
The probationary period lasts 3 years. You can find this on your driver’s licence under section 4b (“Expiration Date”).
2. What rules apply to new drivers?
The same rules apply to new drivers as to everyone else. Fines are also the same for new drivers in Switzerland.Â
If you run a red light in Switzerland as a new driver, you’ll pay the same fine as an experienced driver. Did you get caught speeding while on a probationary licence? Then you pay the same amount as someone who is no longer a new driver.
There are, however, two important special rules:
New drivers and alcohol in Switzerland
With the temporary probationary driving licence, your blood alcohol limit while driving is 0.1 parts per thousand. In practice, this means zero tolerance. You could even reach this limit by eating an overripe banana.Â
This means you should abstain from drinking if you’re driving. Once you get your full, permanent driving licence, the permitted limit then increases to 0.5 parts per thousand.
Additional training (WAB)
This training is mandatory for new drivers. Without it, you won’t get a permanent driving licence.
3. WAB course: what do I need to know?
The WAB course is part of what is known as two-phase training for new drivers (link not available in English). Since 2020, this training has been one day long. In the WAB course, you will do practical driving exercises and learn more about energy-efficient driving.Â
The WAB course is also compulsory for motorcyclists. Do you have a probationary driving licence for both motorcycles and cars? Then you can choose with which vehicle you take the WAB course (Art. 27a para. 2 VZV, not available in English).
The WAB course costs around 350 to 500 francs, depending on the provider.
You must take the WAB course within twelve months of passing the practical exam.Â
All providers of WAB courses can be found online on the website of the Association of Road Traffic Offices (in German, French and Italian only).
Good to know: WAB courses are often booked out well in advance. It’s best to book as soon as you get your driving licence. Remember: you don’t have to complete the WAB course in your canton of residence. This means you have a wide selection of course providers to choose from.
Without a WAB course, you won’t get a full driving licence. Your probationary driving licence will expire.Â
If you are checked by the police after the deadline for the WAB course and before your driving licence expires, then you can expect a fine of up to 300 francs (Art. 148 para. 1 VZV, not available in English). However, you can still register for WAB courses within the three-year probationary period.
You are responsible for ensuring that you have a car or motorcycle on the day of the course. This can be your own vehicle or a borrowed one. Most course organizers also provide vehicles. However, you may have to pay extra for this. It is best to check with the organizer in good time.
Didn’t take the WAB course during the probationary period? If so, the relevant Road Traffic Office can issue you with a day permit (link not available in English). You can use it to drive to a WAB course and back, even with an expired driving licence.Â
To get a day permit, you must submit a registration confirmation from a recognized WAB course organizer. According to the Association of Road Traffic Offices (not available in English), the Road Traffic Office decides whether you will receive the permit on a case-by-case basis.
4. Probationary driving licence – what applies to driving bans?
The rules for driving bans are the same for probationary driving licences as for full driving licences. For example, if you drive 21 km/h too fast or more in residential areas, you will lose your driving licence for at least one month.
A driving ban can have negative consequences for you. Note that:
If your licence is taken from you during the probationary period, the probationary period is extended by one year. From October 2023, however, this will only apply in the event of a moderate or serious infringement.
The second time you lose your licence, it becomes permanent. This is also known as “annulment of the driving licence”. This also only applies in the event of a moderate or serious infringement.
The law distinguishes between
The severity of the offence varies depending on the degree of fault and the danger that your violation poses to others.
An example: a minor offence means a low risk to others. If you commit a minor offence, you are only slightly at fault. For a serious offence, you commit a major violation of the traffic rules and create a significant danger to the safety of others.
If your driving licence has been taken away twice, you can only reapply after one year. You will need to undergo assessment by a psychologist specializing in traffic. In this case, you will have to take the WAB course and even the theory exam again.Â
You may also need to take a new eye test. This is because the eye test may not be more than 24 months old when applying for a provisional licence (also known as a learner’s permit). The first aid course is valid for six years.
5. When will I receive my full driving licence?
You will automatically receive your permanent driver’s licence by post from the responsible Road Traffic Office before your probationary driving licence expires. Prerequisite: you have completed the compulsory further training (WAB).
This article was first published on 14.08.2023
