Learner’s permits in Switzerland: tips for private practice

1. Learner’s permits in Switzerland: Rules

You must pass the theory test before receiving your learner’s permit. You have the permit? Then you can take driving lessons or practice driving with an accompanying person.

Why should I make practice trips?

Above all, these help you practise and build confidence. They are an excellent addition to driving lessons. Practice trips are usually also cheaper than driving lessons.

While you are a learner driver, you must also attend traffic awareness lessons. These take a total of eight hours. Driving schools offer it over two to four days. 

You may only practise the following manoeuvres if the learner is sufficiently trained:

• Starting uphill or on slopes

• Turning around

• Reversing

These manoeuvres are also not permitted on busy roads. A learner is only allowed on the motorway when ready for the test. This means: they have a good chance of passing the practical driving test.

Both learners and driving companions are absolutely prohibited from drinking alcohol. Furthermore, the accompanying person is liable if the learner breaks the road rules.

2. Accompanying persons for learner drivers: conditions

According to law, the accompanying person must meet these requirements (Art. 15 of the Road Traffic Act) (not available in English):

• Be at least 23 years old

• Has held a driving licence for at least three years. It is a full driving licence, not probationary

The accompanying person must ensure that the practice trip is safe. They must also make sure the learner doesn't break any traffic rules.

For practice sessions with non-family members, the person may only accompany one learner per year. There is no limit for family members.

3. Accompanied driving in Switzerland: requirements for the car

Electric, diesel or petrol – the motor does not matter for driving practice. However, the car must still meet some requirements:

• The accompanying person must be able to reach the handbrake. This means the parking brake must be fitted on the centre console.

• Furthermore, you must be able to apply the handbrake:

  • While driving. In some cars, the electric parking brake locks at a certain speed

  • The handbrake must also function when the accelerator is pressed. The accelerator must not interrupt the braking action

  • The accompanying person must be able to vary the amount of braking effect applied. Vehicles with handbrake switches, as are often installed in new vehicles, are therefore not permitted for driving practice

• Before every practice session, you must attach the blue L plate to the back of the car so it is visible. Otherwise, you risk a fine of 20 francs. This also applies if you do not remove the plate after the driving session.

• The car must be registered. You must also have compulsory third-party liability insurance.

• The third-party liability insurance on the car usually also covers practice sessions. However, it only covers damage to other persons and their property. There will be a deductible, in any event.

• Is there also partial or full casco (casualty and collision) insurance?  As a rule, driving practice is also insured, including for learner drivers. To be on the safe side, check that driving practice is not explicitly excluded from the casco policy.

• In any case, bonus protection for car insurance is worthwhile. There is then no risk of an increase in premiums after a claim.

• You’re driving the car of someone outside the household? It may make sense to take out non-owner car insurance. However, this only applies for a certain number of days per year.

5. Tips for learner drivers

We have a few tips to ensure that everything goes well in your practice sessions. They’ll help ensure the safety of yourself and other road users.

• Even if it is not mandatory: take driving lessons. Because you will only receive professional training and preparation for the test from a driving school.

• Visit the traffic awareness course at the beginning of your career as a learner driver. This helps you learn how to be safe on the road.

• Mistakes are human. Don't let them discourage you: learn from them.

• Wear shoes that allow you to feel the accelerator. Hiking shoes are not suitable, for example. Sandals and open shoes are also not suitable.

• Adjust the mirrors and seat before each trip. This is particularly important if other people use the car between your sessions.

• Always keep track of the traffic while driving. Use the mirrors and glance over your shoulder.

• Indicate your intentions to other road users early on. Do you want to turn? Don’t signal at the last second.

• Don't let pushy people stress you. Drive only as fast as you feel comfortable (and as the speed limit allows). Don’t worry if the other driver feels you are too slow or the engine stalls: if you get stressed, everybody’s safety suffers.

• You may take friends with you on practice sessions. But don't do so until you feel safe enough. Additional passengers may distract you.

• Practise before the test as often as you need to until you feel safe. The Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BfU) recommends about 3,000km.

6. Private driving lessons: tips for accompanying persons

Would you like to accompany a learner driver? This is a great responsibility. Points to note:

• You are responsible for everything during the practice session. The same applies to mistakes. If the learner driver makes a major mistake, you are liable as the accompanying person. However, this only applies if you could have avoided the mistake due to your driving ability.

• Before committing, ask yourself whether you feel comfortable as the accompanying person. Think about your character, too. As the accompanying person, you must remain calm even in stressful situations.

• Does the learner regularly attend a driving school? Then talk to the driving instructor. They can tell you what you can and should practise.

• Stay aware of the learner's ability. Choose routes based on learning progress. For example, practise the most important hand movements in an empty carpark. You should only hit the road once the learner has mastered these movements.

• Hold practice sessions under various conditions. For example, in all weathers and at different times of day. Drive on different types of road too.

• After each practice, discuss what went well or badly. This helps the learner gain confidence and experience.

• Are you practising parallel or reverse parking? In this case, the accompanying person may stand outside the car. The same goes for practice sites.

• You can add an additional rear-view mirror on the passenger side. This increases the safety of the practice trip.