heroimage-Acquiring a driver's license

Acquiring a driver's license

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Car/Motorcycle/Scooter (Cat. B, A, A1)

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This is how you get your driver’s license in your canton

Select your canton and receive a fact sheet with all the necessary information on how to get your driver’s license.

How to get your driver's license

Ten general requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Switzerland:

1

Meet the requirements

    Check your age

    You must be 17 years old. The basic theory test can be taken at the earliest 1 month before reaching the minimum age.

    Check your health

    You must be physically and mentally healthy.

    If you have health issues, clarify whether you meet the medical requirements. The following list can help you:

    To the website
2

Learn the theory

    Study the exam questions

    With the licensed exam questions from asa, you can optimally prepare for the test online or with an app. Note: asa has only published 66% of all exam questions. No product can offer you more than 66% of all possible questions.

    RECOMMENDATION: The 'iTheorie Premium' app. The award-winning app contains all licensable asa exam questions and offers excellent exam simulations and evaluations. The app costs CHF 19.-

    To the website
3

Complete the first aid course

    Attend a first aid course

    You must attend a first aid course.

    You can find courses near you here:

    To the website

    Obtain the first aid certificate

    After the course, you will receive a first aid certificate. You need this for the learner’s permit application.

    NOTE: The first aid certificate must not be older than 6 years to submit the application for the learner’s permit.

    First aid at hand

    With the 'Nothilfe' app, you always have all checklists and procedures for emergencies on your phone. The app is free.

    To the website
4

Apply for the learner’s permit

    Download and fill out the form.

    Download and fill out the form.

    Take an eye test

    The eye test section must be completed by an optician, ophthalmologist, or doctor.

    Go to a specialist and have the eye test done. Bring an ID to the appointment (identity card, passport, foreigner’s permit).

    NOTE: The eye test is valid for 24 months.

    Prepare documents

    When you submit the application form, you may need to bring some documents depending on the canton.

    Pay the fee

    After your application is processed, you may be charged fees.

5

Register for the theory test

    Register for the theory test

    Make an appointment for the theory test.

6

Take the theory test

    Prepare documents

    You may need to bring some documents for the test, depending on the canton.

    Go to the theory test

    Your appointment confirmation will state the address of the test center and the documents to bring.

    Pass the test

    The test lasts 45 minutes and is taken on a computer.

    You pass if you score at least 135 out of 150 points.

    Wait for the learner’s permit

    The responsible authority will send you the learner’s permit by post within 10 days after passing the test.

    Note: The learner’s permit is only valid for 24 months.

    Pay the fee

    After passing the theory test, you may be charged fees.

7

Find a driving instructor

    Find a driving instructor

    You can find the best driving instructors in your area in the 'iTheorie Premium' app.

    The best driving instructors in Switzerland can be found at www.superfahrlehrer.ch

    To the website
8

Complete traffic theory lessons

    Attend traffic theory lessons

    Before the practical driving test, you must attend an 8-hour traffic theory course (VKU) with a driving instructor. A learner’s permit is required for this.

    You can find cool VKU Interactive providers here:

    To the website
9

Learn to drive

    Learn to drive with a driving instructor

    You will complete the practical training with a driving instructor or an authorized accompanying person.

    You benefit most if you take a few lessons with a driving instructor and practice with someone from your circle alongside.

    Learn to drive with an authorized accompanying person

    With the learner’s permit, you can also practice with an accompanying person who is not a driving instructor.

    The accompanying person must be at least 23 years old and have held the relevant driving license for at least 3 years (not on probation).

    Additionally, the accompanying person must be able to easily reach the handbrake during the drive.

    Note L: During practice drives, a blue sign with a white “L” must be clearly visible at the back of the vehicle. Carrying additional passengers is not prohibited.

    Learn maneuvers

    All driving maneuvers are explained to you step by step with animations in the 'Autopraxis' app. The app costs CHF 1.95.-

    To the website
10

Register for the driving test

    Register for the driving test

    If you are under 20 and want to take the practical driving test, you must have gained at least 12 months of driving experience with the learner’s permit. For people over 20, there is no such requirement. The driving instructor will decide when you are ready for the test.

    Wait for the invitation

    After a few days, you will receive a test invitation or admission to the practical driving test.