Exchange your foreign driver’s license in Zurich
Kontrollfahrt Zürich
Swiss driving license:
Apply for learner's licence and do eye test
Driving lessons
The first 5 lessons are key for safety and building good habits. I'll tailor the lesson plan to you.
VKU: theoretical awareness course
A two day course, 8h in total.
Must be completed before booking the practical exam
)WAB course
A one-day advanced training with simulated snow conditions and emergency exercises like braking in curves and avoiding obstacles. You can rent a car from the course provider.
(Discount Code: ASREG-FL-VERG-W466)
You can drive in Switzerland with your foreign driver’s license for up to 12 months. If you plan on staying longer, you have following options:
Exchange your foreign license for a Swiss license Don’t drive in Switzerland (your license remains valid abroad) Don’t drive in Switzerland and exchange your license even after 12 months (Canton Zurich only)
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Depending on your country of origin, you may need to complete a practical license exchange test (Kontrollfahrt) before receiving your Swiss license. 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 the full Swiss process (from scratch).
If you pass, you don’t need to complete the mandatory extra Swiss courses like VKU, or WAB and study for the theory test which take around 8 hours each. YES 24 hours lesser — still a great deal in most cases!
I’m a specialist in license exchange (Kontrollfahrt) and will make sure you feel fully prepared for your test. With the countries mentioned above, I already have a lot of experience and am familiar with common driving habits and education gabs. This saves time and energy and money in the end. Zurich is very friendly when it comes to license exchanges, especially in Albisgütli.
Fill out application form
To start the process, fill out the official form:
👉 Available from your local Road Traffic Office or canton’s website
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You’ll also need:
✅ eye test (any optician offers this service)
✅ passport photo (digital or printed out)
Submit application form
You must submit your application in person. Bring:
The application form
Your original driver’s license
Your residence permit
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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, a certified translation is required.
International driving permits are not accepted
Book your exam
You’ll receive a confirmation letter with the exam date and location within about 10 days
You'll also get your license back
You must confirm the exam date. About 5 days later, you’ll receive confirmation of your final* appointment.
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* Final appointment: We can change the date from now on
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. If you are not used to drive alone till now, pleasee use this opportunity because we expect an expirenced driver with a License by the exam.
Driving lessons
There’s no minimum number of lessons required, but even the official letter recommends preparing with a driving school.
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My pass rate: 95 %
⚠️ Remember: the Kontrollfahrt is a one-shot test. If you fail, your license will be taken away immediately after the exam.
To continue driving, you’ll need to go through the full Swiss licensing process, minus the first-aid course.
You can rely on my experience — I’ve been preparing people for this exam for over 7 years, and I love every minute.
I’m familiar with typical driving habits from many countries, so I know what to focus on.
You know what you know; I know what you don’t know 😉
Together, we’ll make sure you feel confident and ready.
The practical license exchange exam (Kontrollfahrt)
A 45-minute drive in real traffic with a focus on Swiss rules, which may include:
- Parking
- Highway driving
- Emergency braking
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✅ Exam in German – in simple German. Don’t worry, we’ll practice all common phrases and commands together beforehand.
✅ Exam with your private car is possible. You can use your own car, a driving instructor’s car, or a Mobility vehicle. Choose what you feel most comfortable with—there are no restrictions.
✅ The Kontrollfahrt is slightly different from the Swiss driving test. Less emphasis is placed on exact positioning and constant mirror use.
Checklist for the day before the exam:
✅ Original driver’s license
✅ Residence permit
✅ Do you know your parking space number for the exam?
✅ Quiz: How to handle typical exam situations
WAB course *
Only mandatory If you got your license less than 12 months before coming to Switzerland
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This is 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
(Discount Code: ASREG-FL-VERG-W466)