FAQ - learner's permit
Most frequently asked questions
You must have an eye test (not older than 2 years) and a valid emergency helper’s certificate (not older than 6 years).
You fill out the application form for the learner’s permit and enclose the eye test and the emergency helper’s certificate. You send all the components together to the road traffic office in your canton of residence.
The application form can usually be downloaded from the website of the road traffic office in your canton of residence or you can obtain it directly from the road traffic office in your canton of residence or, in many municipalities, directly from the residents’ registration office.
Here you can find the contact details of all road traffic offices in Switzerland: https://asa.ch/strassenverkehrsaemter/adressen/
After applying for the learner’s permit, you will receive a permit for the theory test from the Road Traffic Licensing Office. After passing the theory test, you will receive your learner’s license.
From 1.1.2021, the learner’s permit can be issued at the age of 17. Until then, the minimum age of 18 years applies. The theory test can be taken at the earliest one month before reaching the minimum age.
People born in 2003 will be able to obtain a learner’s permit from January 1, 2021, even if they are not yet 18 years old. If they still receive their learner’s permit in 2021, they can take the driving test from their 18th birthday, even if they have not yet had their learner’s permit for twelve months.
People born in 2003 who do not obtain their learner’s permit until 2022 or later must complete the twelve-month learning phase.
FAQ - Theory test
Most frequently asked questions
The theory test can be taken in German, French and Italian. In some cantons, the theory tests can also be taken in English (check with the road traffic office in your canton of residence).
Here you can find the contact details of all road traffic offices in Switzerland: https://asa.ch/strassenverkehrsaemter/adressen/
Check with the road traffic office in your canton of residence.
Here you can find the contact details of all road traffic offices in Switzerland: https://asa.ch/strassenverkehrsaemter/adressen/
There are various ways in which you can learn the theory. Many driving schools offer special theory courses in which the necessary knowledge is imparted. You can also learn the material on your own with the help of apps, online learning software, books or CDs.
The official market leader in Switzerland is iTheorie: https://itunes.apple.com/ch/app/id499346672?mt=8&uo=4&at=10lt3X
You can purchase the book and learning software together here: https://shop.itheorie.ch/products/autofahren-lernen-kompakt-mobil-lernen-2018-2019?variant=10857024389235
The theory test lasts 45 minutes and is completed on the computer. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. The maximum number of points is 150. If you have fewer than 15 penalty points (i.e. at least 135 points), you have passed the theory test.
The theory test can be repeated as often as required.
If you have a category A, A1 or B1 driving license, you do not have to take the theory test for category B.
As of January 1, 2021, training courses and examinations that have been completed and passed are generally valid indefinitely.
You must take the practical test by 31.12.2020 at the latest, two years after you have passed the theory test. Otherwise you will have to repeat the theory test.
The costs vary from canton to canton.
Check with the road traffic office in your canton of residence. Here you can find the contact details (phone, email, website) of all road traffic offices in Switzerland: https://asa.ch/strassenverkehrsaemter/adressen/
No, most cantons allow you to take the theory test in another canton for a fee.
FAQ - Road safety
Most frequently asked questions
Yes. You must attend the VKU, otherwise you will not be able to take the practical exam.
You must attend the VKU before the practical examination. In order to attend the VKU, you must be in possession of a valid learner’s permit.
From January 1, 2021, training courses and examinations that have been completed and passed will be valid indefinitely. This means that the VKU is valid without restriction from this date. The VKU is only valid for two years until December 31, 2020.
If you have a category A, A1 or B1 driving license, you do not need to attend the traffic awareness course.
The VKU course is offered by driving schools and driving instructors. It lasts a total of 8 hours, spread over four days.
FAQ - Driving school
Most frequently asked questions
You are not obliged to take driving lessons with a driving instructor, but it is highly recommended. This is because the driving instructor teaches you how to drive correctly right from the start and knows what the experts look for in the practical test.
You can also drive with people other than your driving instructor. The following regulations apply to accompanying persons: They must be at least 23 years old and have held a driver’s license for at least 3 years. You are not allowed to accompany learner drivers with a probationary driver’s license. The handbrake must also be within reach of the accompanying person.
Here you will find a guide, maneuver cards and the L-sign for independent learning: https://shop.itheorie.ch/collections/auto/products/ratgeber-autofahren-mit-begleitung-inkl-manoverkartenset
There are no regulations regarding the number of completed driving lessons. The driving instructor will register you for the test when you are ready to take the test. Every person learns differently, which is why the number of driving lessons required varies greatly.
As of 1.2.2019, the vending machine entry will no longer apply. This means that you can take the test with an automatic machine and still drive a manual car afterwards. It is also possible to complete the driving training with a manual car but use an automatic machine for the test.
The learner’s permit is only valid in Switzerland. If you want to drive abroad with your learner’s permit, you must find out about the applicable rules from the representation of the country concerned or the customs offices.
Yes, you are allowed to take other people with you on learner trips.
You may only drive on freeways and highways when you are ready to take the test. Ready for the test means that you are registered for the test or that the driving instructor confirms that you are ready for the test.
FAQ - Practical examination
Most frequently asked questions
From 1.1.2021, the following applies: anyone under the age of 20 who wants to take the practical driving test must have at least 12 months of driving experience with a learner’s permit. There is no such regulation for persons over the age of 20. The driving instructor will then decide when you are ready to take the test.
No. As long as you meet the requirements, you can also register for the practical examination yourself.
As of 1.2.2019, the vending machine entry will no longer apply. This means that you can take the test with an automatic and still drive a manual car afterwards – provided you know how to drive a manual car.
As of 1.2.2019, the vending machine entry will no longer apply. This means that you can take the test with an automatic machine and still drive a manual car afterwards. It is also possible to complete the driving training with a manual car but use an automatic machine for the test.
n the practical test, the expert wants to see that you can move safely in traffic and react appropriately to different situations.
You usually meet with your driving instructor before the test so that you can familiarize yourself and any final questions can be clarified. The test drive takes place with an expert. The exam lasts approx. 45 minutes.
You can repeat the exam once without any problems.
If you have failed the test twice, you may only take the third test if your driving instructor confirms that you have completed your driving training.
You can repeat the practical exam twice. If you still fail the exam the third time, you will have to take an aptitude test. This will clarify whether you are at all suitable to drive a motor vehicle. A doctor can check your physical and mental capacity. Only if you pass this test will you be allowed to take the practical test a fourth time.
The expert will inform you of the result immediately after the test. You will receive a stamp on your learner’s license, which states that you have passed the test and are now allowed to drive on your own. Please note: The learner’s permit with stamp is still only valid in Switzerland. You will receive your probationary driver’s license within approx. 10 working days, which you can then use to drive abroad.
No, you can take the practical exam in a canton of your choice. Your canton of residence will issue you with the necessary permit. Fees may be charged.
Check with the road traffic office in your canton of residence. Here you can find the contact details (phone, email, website) of all road traffic offices in Switzerland: https://asa.ch/strassenverkehrsaemter/adressen/
Yes, as long as the car is safe to drive (e.g. tires suitable for winter use in cold weather or snowfall), this is possible. However, it is advisable to take the practical test in the driving instructor’s car.
FAQ - Probationary driving license
Most frequently asked questions
The probationary period is 3 years.
If your probationary driving license has an expiration date in 2019, you will only receive your permanent driving license by 31.12.2019 if you have completed both advanced training courses (WAB1 and WAB2).
If you do not wish to attend the second day (WAB 2) (not recommended), you can let the pass expire and apply for the definitive pass in 2020. Caution: between the expiry of the pass and the receipt of the definitive pass, you are not allowed to drive – under strict penalty of punishment!
If your probationary driving license has an expiration date in 2020 or later, you only need to complete the new advanced training day or prove that you have attended the current advanced training course 1 (WAB 1).
If you obtained your probationary driving license before 31.12.2019, you can complete today’s advanced training course 1 (WAB 1) instead of the new advanced training day. Further training must be completed within 3 years.
If you obtain your probationary driver’s license after 31.12.2019, you must complete further training within 12 months of the probationary driver’s license being issued.
In Switzerland, the maximum blood alcohol level for new drivers is 0.1 per mille.
Source: https://asa.ch/
