Swiss driving school platform · since 2014
Car / Motorcycle
Fr. 19.50
LANGUAGES: German, French, Italian, English
From the first aid course to the final licence — all steps to your Swiss driving licence explained clearly.
Overview
Getting a Swiss driving licence involves two phases: training and the probationary period. If you get your learner's permit before your 20th birthday, you have to wait at least 12 months before the practical test – followed by a 3-year probationary period until the full licence.
Step 1
Prerequisite for the learner's licence — without the first aid course you cannot proceed.
Duration: approx. 1 day (eLearning ~3h + practical part ~7h).
Valid for 6 years from the course date.
After the course you receive your first aid certificate — keep it safe!
Step 2
Eye test carried out by an optician or ophthalmologist.
Submit the learner's permit application to your cantonal road traffic office.
Include: first aid certificate, passport photo, eye test result, ID.
Minimum age for the learner's permit: 17 years.
Step 3 · Key hurdle
50 multiple-choice questions with 3 answer options each, in 45 minutes.
At least 135 out of 150 points (90%) required to pass.
New from 1 January 2027: 55 questions in 45 minutes, maximum 165 points. Pass mark 148 points (max. 17 error points).
Test languages: German, French, Italian and partly English.
The test takes place in person at the road traffic office — not online.
Procedure, error points and registration: Swiss theory test
Study for the theory test with the Car Theory App — using the official ASA questions.
Step 4
After passing the theory test you receive your learner's permit.
Driving lessons with a driving school or accompanied driver (min. 23 years old, 3 years licence).
L-plate on the vehicle is mandatory during practice drives.
You must hold the learner's permit for at least 12 months before taking the driving test.
Step 5
Mandatory course — prerequisite for registering for the practical test.
Duration: usually 2 days.
Content: traffic situations, hazard awareness, fuel-efficient driving.
Course confirmation must be presented when registering for the test.
From 01.01.2027: the VKU course must be completed before the theory test.
Step 6 · The goal
The test lasts approx. 1 hour at the road traffic office.
The examiner assesses driving skills, road behaviour and assistance systems (new from 2025).
If you pass: your permit is signed immediately → you can drive alone straight away.
You receive a provisional driving licence (3-year probationary period).
Step 7 · After the test
Complete the WAB course (1 day) within the first 12 months of the probationary period.
After 3 years without serious offences: full driving licence issued.
New drivers: 0.1‰ alcohol limit; offences extend the probationary period.
Missed the WAB course? Fines of up to CHF 300.
Costs
Indicative figures — costs may vary by canton and driving school.
First aid course
ca. CHF 125.–Eye test
ca. CHF 15.–Learner permit fee
ca. CHF 30.–Theory test
ca. CHF 50.–VKU (2 days)
ca. CHF 300.–Driving lessons (Ø Fahrschule)
CHF 80.–/hourPractical test
ca. CHF 220.–WAB course
ca. CHF 300.–Total costs (guide price)
min. CHF 2'500.–Step 3 · Theory test
Study with Fahrlehrer24 — using the official ASA theory questions. Since 2014.
Web App
Start immediately, no download needed.
Web AppCheat Sheet
All key numbers for the driving licence.
View cheat sheetTheory test
Everything about the process, questions and passing.
Theory testYou can get a learner's permit for category B from age 17, after passing the theory test. If you get it before your 20th birthday, you can only take the practical test 12 months later – so the earliest you can drive alone is 18.
If you are under 20 when you receive your learner's permit, the learning phase lasts at least 12 months. After passing the practical test you get a probationary licence: within 12 months you attend the one-day WAB course, and after a 3-year probationary period without serious offences the licence becomes permanent.
A person aged at least 23 who has held a category B licence for at least 3 years and is no longer on probation. The vehicle must display an L-plate.
From 1 January 2027, yes: the road safety course (VKU) must be completed before the theory test, which will also include questions on its content. Until then, it is enough to attend it before registering for the practical test.
It mainly depends on how many driving lessons you need. Fees for the learner's permit and the tests are set by each canton. The table above shows guide prices.
Yes — many cantonal road traffic offices offer the theory test in English. Availability varies by canton, so ask the office where you plan to take your test whether English is available as an exam language. Find out more on our Swiss theory test in English page.
Your road to the driving licence
Step 3 is in your hands — study with the official ASA theory questions.
