Driving licence categories: rules in Switzerland
Which driving licence category applies to which vehicle? Comparis explains what you can drive with a B licence, plus other categories and rules.
31.07.2024
iStock/David Taljat
1. What categories of driving licences are there in Switzerland?
There are many different categories of driving licences in Switzerland. Here you can find an overview:
2. What can I drive with a category B licence?
A category B licence allows you to drive the most common motor vehicles you encounter on the road.
These include:
Passenger cars: vehicles with a maximum weight of 3,500kg and up to nine seats (including the driver’s seat).
Light trailers: you can tow trailers with a total weight of up to 750kg. There is an exception: if the total weight of the trailer exceeds 750kg, the total combined weight of the vehicle and the trailer must not exceed 3500kg.
Motorhomes and delivery vans: allowed up to a total weight of 3500kg.
Comparis tip: how to get your driving licence
Getting your driving licence can be expensive and challenging. Find out about driving tests in good time.
3. What category licence do I need to drive abroad?
As a rule, a Swiss driving licence in the appropriate category is all it takes. For regular passenger cars, for example, you need a category B driving licence.
Depending on your destination, you will also need an international driving licence. It’s best to check with the consulate of your destination before each trip. Tip: stricter conditions often apply for renting a car, such as a minimum age.
Your international driving licence confirms your eligibility to drive abroad. It’s particularly useful in countries outside the European Union and EFTA countries.
If you have a Swiss driving licence, you can simply order the international licence for the respective category from the road traffic office of your canton of residence (not available in English).
4. What type of licence do I need for e-scooters, e-bikes and e-mopeds?
Depending on your age and the vehicle, you'll also need a licence for smaller vehicles such as e-bikes.
Maximum speed:
With assisted pedalling: 25km/h
Without assisted pedalling: 20km/h)
Licence category required:
14–16 years: min. M licence (or G licence)
From 17 years: no licence required
E-bikes and e-mopeds under 1kW
Maximum speed:
With assisted pedalling: 45km/h
Without assisted pedalling: 30km/h
Licence category required:
M or G licence
Other permitted categories are A1, A-, A, B
E-mopeds over 1kW
Maximum speed:
max. 45km/h
Permitted licence categories:
A1, A-, A
Prerequisite: at least A1 licence / minimum age 16 years
For an engine output above 11kW, categories A- or A are required.
Good to know: The category M licence is automatically included in the category B driving licence.
This article was first published on 31.07.2024
