How to get the 'B' car license in Switzerland?
click your option
Swiss driving License:
Apply learner's licence and eye test
Necessary to book the theoretical exam.
(click for more: 
, download the form: 
)
Driving Lessons
The first 5 lessons are key for safety and building a solid understanding. We create togahter a learning plan that fits you.
VKU: Theoretical awareness course
A two day course in total 8h.
Required to book the practical exam
WAB Course
A one-day advanced training with simulated snow conditions and emergency exercises like braking in curves and avoiding obstacles. Car renting is possible
Kontrollfahrt Zürich
(🇨🇭 Exchange of a Foreign Driver’s License in Zürich)
You can drive in Switzerland with your foreign driver’s license for up to 12 months after your arrival. After that period, you must exchange your foreign license for a Swiss one — otherwise, you’re not allowed to drive in Switzerland anymore (though it remains valid abroad).
Depending on your country of origin, you may need to complete a practical driving test (Kontrollfahrt) before receiving your Swiss license. Typical countries requiring the test include Russia, China, India, and other non-EU countries.
⚠️ Important: The Kontrollfahrt is a one-time opportunity.
If you fail, the authorities will keep your foreign license until you pass again — starting from the full Swiss process (from scratch).
✅ If you pass, you don’t need to complete the mandatory extra Swiss courses like VKU or WAB, which each take around 8 hours — still a great deal in most cases!
With a 95% pass rate, I’m a specialist for license exchange (Kontrollfahrt) and will make sure you feel fully prepared for your test.
Application Form
To start the process, fill out the official form:
👉 [Application for exchange of a foreign driver’s license]
(Available from your local Road Traffic Office or canton’s website.)
You’ll also need:
-
An eye test (any optician offers this service)
- A passport photo — since September 2025, this can also be done via smartphone in person
What to Bring (in person)
When submitting your application in person (email is not possible), bring:
- Your original driver’s license
- Your residence permit
ℹ️ INFO: The office will keep your license for about 10 days. You’ll get it back by post — if you need to drive abroad during this time, plan ahead.
If your license is not in German or English, an official translation is required (sometimes for Chinese licenses, I will check).
⚠️ Google Translate or international driving permits are not accepted.
After Applying
You’ll receive a confirmation letter with the exam date and location within about 10 days (and your license back).
Send your confirmation back — and after another 5 days, you’ll receive your final appointment.
ℹ️ From this point on, you’re allowed to drive again until your exam (for up to 3 months), even if you’ve already lived in Switzerland for more than 12 months.
Driving Lessons
There’s no minimum number of lessons required, but even the official letter recommends preparing with a driving school.
⚠️ Remember: The Kontrollfahrt is a one-shot test.
If you fail, your license will be taken away immediately on the day of the exam.
To continue driving, you’d need to start the full Swiss licensing process again —
basically from the beginning, but with your experience and without needing a first-aid course.
💡 Plan B: You can also start directly with the Swiss licensing process.
This way, your foreign license stays unaffected, and you can focus fully on the Swiss requirements.
Your benefit is my experience — I’ve been preparing people for this exam for over 7 years, and I truly enjoy it.
Over time, I’ve learned many typical habits from different countries — knowing these helps me prepare you efficiently and avoid surprises.
You know what you know; I know what you don’t know 😉
Together, we’ll make sure you feel confident and ready.
✅ My pass rate: 95 %. Again, I like to do it.
The Practical Exam (Kontrollfahrt)
A 45-minute drive in real traffic, including:
- Parking
- Highway driving possible
- Emergency braking
INFO: Instructions are given in simple German — don’t worry, we’ll practice all common phrases and commands together beforehand.
👉 [Link to most common commands – coming soon]
Optional: WAB Course *
If you obtained your driver’s license less than 12 months before moving to Switzerland,
you may need to complete a WAB course — a one-day advanced training with simulated snow conditions and emergency exercises.
This is not an exam, just a course — and yes, I offer it in English 🙂