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Q: Who has priority on mountain roads when vehicles cannot pass?

Vehicle going uphill. The vehicle going uphill has priority because it is more difficult to stop and restart on a slope.

Q: Do pedestrians have priority on zebra crossings?

Yes, always on marked crossings. Pedestrians always have priority on marked zebra crossings - you must stop for them.

Q: What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren?

Pull over safely and let it pass. Pull over to the right safely and stop to let emergency vehicles pass.

Q: At an unmarked T-junction (no priority signs), what rule applies?

Priority to the right (Rechtsvortritt) applies. In Switzerland, at an unmarked T-junction (no priority signs), the standard Rechtsvortritt (priority to the right) rule applies. There is no automatic priority for the through road. You must yield to vehicles coming from your right, regardless of which road appears to be the main one.

Q: When leaving a private driveway, who has priority?

All other road users. When exiting a private property or driveway, you must give way to all road users.

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Who has priority on mountain roads when vehicles cannot pass?

Switzerland

Driving Rules & Facts

1

Mountain Road Priority — On narrow mountain roads, the ascending vehicle has priority. If one vehicle must reverse, the descending vehicle reverses to the nearest passing place. PostBus (yellow) always has absolute priority.

2

Rechtsvortritt (Priority from Right) — At unmarked intersections, the vehicle coming from the right has priority. This is the default rule throughout Switzerland and is heavily tested in the theory exam.

3

PostBus Priority — Yellow PostBuses with a three-tone horn have absolute priority on mountain roads. When you hear the horn, you must stop and yield, even if you have the right of way.

4

Motorway Vignette — A CHF 40/year vignette is required for all motorways and expressways. E-vignette available since August 2023. Driving without one incurs a CHF 200 fine plus the vignette cost.

5

Stick'Air / Environmental Zones — Geneva requires a Stick'Air environmental sticker during high-pollution periods. Other cities may follow. Check local cantonal regulations before driving in city centres.

6

Winter Tyres — Winter tyres are NOT legally mandatory in Switzerland, but driving with unsuitable tyres in winter conditions can lead to liability in accidents and fines for obstructing traffic. Strongly recommended October–April.

How to Get Your Driving License in Switzerland

Everything you need to know about enrolling in a driving school and getting your B license in Switzerland.

Typical Cost

CHF 3,000–CHF 5,000

Total driving school cost including lessons and materials

Prices vary by school, location, and number of lessons needed.

Typical Lessons Needed

~25

50-minute lessons on average

Mandatory Theory Hours

8h

Required classroom or online theory instruction

Mandatory Practical Hours

—

No mandatory hours. Your instructor will recommend how many lessons you need.

License Requirements in Switzerland

Minimum Age18 years old

Theory Exam FeeCHF 20-45 theory test (varies by canton)

Car License CategoryB

Driving SideRight (drive on the right)

Learner/Provisional LicenseYes, required before driving

Accompanied DrivingYes, learner must be accompanied

Online Theory StudyYes, available online

Theory Test Languages

The ASTRA theory test is available in these languages:

GermanFrenchItalianEnglish

Tips for Choosing a Driving School in Switzerland

Compare prices from at least 3 schools before enrolling. The cheapest option is not always the best — check what is included in the package.
Ask schools about their pass rates. A higher pass rate often indicates better instruction quality.
If Switzerland's official language is not your first language, ask if the school offers instruction or materials in your language.

Source: Federal Roads Office (Bundesamt für Strassen) · Last updated: 2026-03-15

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