If you drive in Switzerland using a foreign driver’s license for 1 year. After this time expires, certain nationalities will need to get a Switzerland driver’s license.
Mostly people can use their foreign driver’s license for the first twelve months when driving in Switzerland. This guide explains what you need to do to exchange your.
license or get a new Swiss driver’s license:
- Driver’s licenses in Switzerland
- Getting a Swiss driver’s license
- Driving tests in Switzerland
- Swiss driving lessons
- Driving with a foreign driver’s license in Switzerland
- Exchanging a foreign driver’s license in Switzerland
- Renewing a driver’s license in Switzerland
- Lost or stolen driving licenses in Switzerland
- Swiss driver’s licenses for other vehicles
- Useful resources
Driver’s licenses in Switzerland:
You can driving in Swiss using your foreign driver’s license for up to 12 months as long as you are at least eighteen years old. Once this 12 month period is up, you will need to exchange your license for a Swiss driver’s license.
swiss allows those from the European Economic Area (EU plus Iceland, Norway, and Lichtenstein) to exchange their foreign driver’s license for a Swiss equivalent without having to take a test, as long as it is exchanged within 12 months of taking up residence in Switzerland.
Those from outside the EEA will need to take a practical driving test in Switzerland after 12 months in order to exchange their license. Nationals from certain non-EU countries also have to sit the Swiss driving theory test.
If your driver’s license is in a language not recognized by Switzerland authorities (English, French, German, or Italian), you need to carry either an International Driving License, which is a translation of your driving license.
Certain categories of international diplomats and civil servants are exemple from having to exchange their license and can drive using a foreign license for an unlimited period.
To get a full Swiss driving license, you will then need to:
- Complete the compulsory 8-hour road awareness theory course (Verkehrskunde/sensibilisation)
- Pass your practical driving test (see below)
You will be issued with a probationary driving license for the first three years. To exchange your probationary license for a permanent license, you must:
- Complete a further one-day training course (recently reduced from two days) within the first 12 months of getting a probationary license
- Not commit any serious driving offenses that result in a suspension of your license
The costs of getting a Swiss driver’s license vary across the cantons. Here is a rough idea of what you will have to pay:
- Eye test: CHF 10–15
- First-aid course: CHF 100–200
- Theory handbook: CHF 30
- Theory test: CHF 30–40
- Provisional license: CHF 20–80
- Road awareness theory course: CHF 200–280
- Driving test: CHF 120–140
- Driver’s license: CHF 35–60