Driving with a foreign licence
From the moment you arrive in Switzerland as a resident, you have 12 months to exchange your foreign licence for a Swiss one. Before that deadline, your foreign licence remains valid. After it, it is no longer recognised and you will have to sit the Swiss exams.
Recognised countries for exchange
Licences from EU/EFTA and many other countries (Canada, Australia, Japan, USA, Israel, Argentina, Brazil, etc.) are directly exchangeable without a practical test. A check ride may be required for non-EU/EFTA countries depending on the canton.
Licences from other countries (some African, Asian or Latin American countries not listed) require the full theory and practical exams.
Exchange procedure
- Apply to the cantonal road traffic office (SAN/OCV)
- Documents: foreign licence, passport, residence certificate, photo, recent vision test (max 24 months)
- Fee: CHF 80–150 depending on canton
- Lead time: 2–6 weeks
Full exams (new licence)
- Theory: 50 multiple-choice questions, CHF 30 per attempt
- First-aid course (10h), valid 6 years, CHF 100–250
- Traffic awareness course (8h), CHF 150–250
- Learner permit: valid 24 months (12 months if you already drove in a non-recognised country)
- Practical: road test, 45–60 min, CHF 120–150
- Mandatory basic practical training (8h) for motorcycles and new drivers
Probationary licence
New drivers receive a 3-year probationary licence. A serious offence extends the period by one year. Two serious offences in the period = cancellation, back to square one.
Alcohol and penalties
Limit: 0.5 ‰, 0.1 ‰ for new drivers (3 years), professional drivers and driving instructors. Heavy fines + licence withdrawal from 0.5 ‰. Drink-driving is treated severely, with licence suspensions ranging from 3 months to several years.
