A driving licence opens the door to new adventures and experiences. Before you start speeding off, however, there are a few things to take note of. We’ll show you how you can get your licence.
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Getting to drive your own car or motorbike can be very liberating. Are you a young person who can hardly wait to start learning to drive? Perhaps you’re already looking forward to getting to work on two or four wheels, exploring some stunning lakes and mountains or even planning a road trip for your next summer holidays. Find out everything you need to know about getting mobile in this article.
It’s best to start with an overview of the different licence categories available in Switzerland and see which of those are relevant for learner drivers. Depending on which licence you want, you must be a certain minimum age.
| Licence category | Which vehicles may be driven with this category licence? | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| Licence category Moped (M) |
Which vehicles may be driven with this category licence? Mopeds |
Minimum age 14 years of age |
| Licence category Scooter (A1) |
Which vehicles may be driven with this category licence? Motorbike with at most 11 kW engine power and engine size not exceeding 125 ccm |
Minimum age 15 or 16 years of age |
| Licence category Car (B) |
Which vehicles may be driven with this category licence? Motor vehicles (including those with three wheels) with a maximum weight not exceeding 3,500 kg with no more than eight seats, excluding the driver’s seat |
Minimum age 17 years of age |
| Licence category Motorbike (A) |
Which vehicles may be driven with this category licence? Motorbikes with engine power over 35 kW and a ratio of engine power to empty weight of no more than 0.20 kW/kg |
Minimum age 18 years of age |
| Licence category Motorbike (A restricted) |
Which vehicles may be driven with this category licence? Motorbikes with engine power not exceeding 35 kW and a ratio of engine power to empty weight of no more than 0.20 kW/kg |
Minimum age 18 years of age |
You can find an overview of all licence categories with relevant information on the Swiss Association of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority’s (asa) web page.
If you know which category licence you’d like to get, it’s time to start planning the next steps. We’ll explain these using the category B licence as an example.
Before applying for a provisional licence, you first of all need to complete an emergency first aid course. An emergency first aid course will teach you the fundamentals of first aid. It’s made up of two parts: theory (three hours) and practical (seven hours).
A number of providers offer these emergency first aid courses. The Swiss Red Cross is one example.
Apply for a provisional licence by submitting an application to your municipality, city administration or cantonal driver and vehicle licensing office. A provisional licence allows you to drive a vehicle when accompanied by another authorized person. You can apply for a provisional licence one month before your 17th birthday at the earliest.
Study for your theory test, either in lessons at a driving school or on your own. The theory test for categories B and A1 for cars and motorbikes is 45 minutes long and comprises multiple choice questions. You will receive your provisional licence upon successfully completing your theory test.
Tip: there are multiple apps that can help you study for your theory test. Just make sure you download an app containing official exam questions from the driver and vehicle licensing office (asa).
You can apply for your theory test at the driver and vehicle licensing office as soon as the authorities have confirmed your application for a provisional licence. Most authorities require you to register online. You can repeat your theory test as many times as necessary. Once you pass, you’ll receive your provisional licence. It is valid for two years and permits you to attend a driving school, drive with another authorized person and take road safety lessons.
Road safety lessons are compulsory for car and motorbike users and take place over two evenings, with each session lasting four hours. The sessions are all about road safety. Road users are taught to recognize unusual and potentially dangerous situations. The driver and vehicle licensing office recommends completing the course before starting any driving lessons. Most driving schools offer this course.
Perhaps the most exciting time of learning to drive is actually getting behind the wheel. You can start driving with L-plates as soon as you’ve received your provisional licence. The person accompanying you whilst you drive must be at least 23 years old and have had a licence for at least three years. We recommend taking your first lessons with a professional driving instructor before driving with friends or family.
Your driving instructor will usually sign you up for your driving test as soon as you’re ready. The test lasts 60 minutes, of which 45 minutes is driving time. Once you pass your test, you’ll receive your probationary driving licence, which is valid for three years. You must complete an advanced course within the first year of passing your test.
Before applying for your full driving licence, you must, among other things, complete the advanced course within 12 months of passing your driving test. Additional conditions also apply during the three-year probationary period.
Note: the following cost items are guidelines. Costs can vary depending on area of residence, driving school, course organization etc.
Check how much money you have on your account. Not enough? Here are four tips to help you get by:
Would you prefer to ride a motorbike? Getting a licence for a motorbike is mostly similar to that of a car. However, some of the requirements differ. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a provisional licence for a motorbike, for example. Here are the details:
Minimum age |
18 years of age |
18 years of age |
18 years of age |
|---|---|---|---|
Licence currently owned |
none |
category B (car) |
category A1 |
Vision test |
yes |
yes, if not within past two years |
yes, if not within past two years |
Emergency first aid course |
yes |
– |
– |
Theory test |
yes |
– |
– |
Road safety lessons |
8 hours |
– |
– |
Basic instruction |
12 hours |
12 hours |
4 hours |
Driving test |
yes |
yes |
yes |
When buying your first car, think also about the environment. You can reduce your emissions by getting an electric car or e-bike instead of a regular car. A second-hand car may also be a good choice.
For all drivers at least 20 years of age and who have had a licence for at least two years:
