How do I get my driver's license? What tests do I need to pass, and what do I need to apply for?
To obtain a driver’s license, you need the following things or usually proceed in the following order:
Emergency helpers
You'll take the first aid course. The training lasts approximately 10 hours. The first aid certificate is valid for six years. The course can be completed before the age of 16.
Eye test
You must have your eye test done by a licensed optician if your last eye test was more than two years ago.
If you already have an ID card in another category for which you had to take an eye test, then this eye test is still valid today, provided it was not taken more than 2 years ago.
Application form
You need:
- a color passport photo
- the eye test
- Copy of identity card or foreigner’s ID card
Bring the application form in person to the traffic office or residents' registration office. Don't forget your first aid card, Swiss identity card, or foreign national's permit in original. The application can be submitted no earlier than one month before your 17th birthday.
Theory test
When you are ready, register for the theory test online.
learner's permit
You will receive your learner's permit by mail. The learner's permit is valid for 24 months.
Traffic education VKU
Must be completed before the practical test and must not be more than 2 years old, except for holders of cat. A, A1 or B1.
Driving lessons
In possession of a learner's permit. An accompanying person is required. Learner's drives may only be undertaken with an accompanying person who is at least 23 years old and has held a Category B driver's license for at least three years and is no longer on probation.
Practical exam
If you do not want to take the practical test in your canton of residence, you can submit an application to the road traffic office of your canton of residence to take the driving test in another canton.
Driving license
You will receive your driving license by mail after passing the test.
WAB course
After passing the practical exam, you must attend the WAB course within one year. We recommend completing it within six months.
ID card exchange
Submit an application for a permanent license to the Road Traffic Office at least one month before the expiration date of your provisional license. You will receive the application form from the WAB course provider.
How many driving lessons are mandatory?
Driving lessons are not mandatory in Switzerland. However, it is recommended to take lessons with a driving instructor, as conscientious and thorough training is a prerequisite for passing the practical test. Private driving sessions are also helpful for practicing and consolidating what you have learned, establishing a routine, and gaining as much experience as possible.
How long does it take to get my driver's license and how much does it cost?
Of course, you can never say exactly how many driving lessons someone will need to get their driver's license.
The Swiss average in recent years has been 30 driving lessons. However, learner drivers usually need about 15-30 lessons to obtain their driver's license.
That’s about CHF 1,500 to CHF 3,000.
This depends on various factors (learning ability, motivation, concentration, comprehension, talent, private travel, etc.).
Why did my parents, my older siblings, or a friend of a friend need fewer driving lessons?
1. In recent years, traffic density has increased enormously, and new road users such as e-bikes and e-scooters present us with new challenges. In addition, many people on the road are reckless, people rush around, and a tense environment quickly develops. Accordingly, learning to drive used to be much more "relaxed" and thus required fewer lessons.
2. Driving students who are already on the road on a scooter or motorcycle, or who regularly drive tractors, bring with them a valuable wealth of experience and naturally require less practical instruction.
3. Some students are simply very talented, essentially "born" to drive.
4. And last but not least… those who have only had a few driving lessons are happy to talk about it with pride. Those who are close to average or even above average prefer to remain silent or sometimes "forget" a few lessons. 😛 Accordingly, you often only hear the "positive" stories.
Who has to go through the new 1-year learning phase?
Basically, it's quite simple. Anyone who receives a learner's permit before their 20th birthday will in future have to hold it for one year before they can take the practical test.
Because the changes would have discriminated against those born in 2003 and, to some extent, those born in 2001 and 2002, the following transition periods have been defined:
Born in 2001 & 2002: Anyone who receives a learner's permit before December 31, 2020, does not have to complete the one-year learning period. The new regulations will then also apply to these age groups.
Born in 2003: Anyone who receives a learner's permit by December 31, 2021, can start driving at age 17 and does not have to complete the one-year learning period. The Category B/BE test can be taken from the age of 18 at the earliest.
From 2022, everyone will be required to hold a learner's permit for at least one year before taking the driving test.
Is it true that I can drive manual cars even if I take the test with an automatic transmission?
That's correct. As part of the Opera 3 revision, the so-called "automatic transmission" entry on driver's licenses was removed on February 1, 2019. This means that there is no longer a distinction between whether the practical driving test was passed with a manual or automatic transmission. Since then, all young drivers are also allowed to drive vehicles with both transmissions.
What advantages do I have at your driving school?
Our driving school offers many benefits. Some of these include:
- We offer automatic transmission, which helps you learn to drive faster.
- Our school is affordable.
- We have friendly and patient driving instructors.
- All the driver training materials are available online in the learner driver app. You can also practice privately at any time.
What can I do about exam anxiety?
Nervousness before an exam is normal, for some more than others. However, this usually disappears shortly after the exam begins. Avoid experimenting with sedatives you are unfamiliar with. Allow yourself enough time to avoid additional stress. Don't worry unnecessarily; we will drive through various test routes before the practical exam, paying particular attention to complex junctions. All maneuvers will also be reviewed. If you are well prepared, you have nothing to fear and can approach the exam relatively calmly.
Where can I register my car after I have passed my driving test?
You can register your car with the Zurich Road Traffic Office after receiving your driving license.
