🇨🇭
expatLicense.hero.countryTitle
expatLicense.hero.countrySubtitle
expatLicense.countryPage.quickAnswer.title
expatLicense.countryPage.quickAnswer.yesFor expatLicense.countryPage.quickAnswer.afterThat expatLicense.countryPage.quickAnswer.testOnlyIn
expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.title
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.testAuthority | ASTRA (Federal Roads Office (Bundesamt für Strassen)) |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.officialTestLanguage | German, French, Italian |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.gracePeriod | 12 months from registration |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.theoryTestRequired | expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.yesIfNoExchange |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.practicalTestRequired | expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.yesIfNoExchange |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.medicalExam | expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.notRequired |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.totalCost | CHF 250-400 (~€250-400) exchange or CHF 3,000-4,000 (~€3,000-4,000) full test |
| expatLicense.countryPage.keyFacts.processingTime | 2-4 weeks (exchange) or 3-6 months (full test) |
expatLicense.countryPage.englishPracticeCta.title
expatLicense.countryPage.englishPracticeCta.description
🇨🇭 expatLicense.countryPage.englishPracticeCta.buttonexpatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.title
🇪🇺 expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.euEea
EU/EFTA licenses can be exchanged within 12 months without tests.
🇺🇸🇬🇧 expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.usUk
USA and UK: Theory test and practical test required for exchange.
🌍 expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.nonEu
Must exchange within 12 months. May need theory and practical test depending on country.
🎓 expatLicense.countryPage.eligibility.students
Can use foreign license for up to 12 months. Must exchange if staying longer.
expatLicense.countryPage.exchangeAgreements.title
✅ expatLicense.countryPage.exchangeAgreements.directExchange
EU/EFTA countries (no test required), Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Israel, South Africa
❌ expatLicense.countryPage.exchangeAgreements.noAgreement
Countries not listed require full process including mandatory driving school
expatLicense.countryPage.requiredDocuments.title
- ✓Swiss residence permit
- ✓Original foreign license
- ✓Eye test certificate (Sehtest)
- ✓Emergency first aid course certificate (Nothelferkurs)
- ✓Passport photos
- ✓Application form from cantonal Strassenverkehrsamt
expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.title
| expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.conversionFee | CHF 80-120 (~€80-120) |
| expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.medicalExam | CHF 20-40 (eye test only) |
| expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.translation | CHF 50-100 (if needed) |
| expatLicense.countryPage.costsBreakdown.totalEstimated | CHF 250-400 (~€250-400) exchange or CHF 3,000-4,000 (~€3,000-4,000) full test |
expatLicense.countryPage.tips.title
- 💡Nothelferkurs (10-hour emergency first aid course) is mandatory for new applicants
- 💡Test language depends on your canton (German, French, or Italian)
- 💡License becomes completely INVALID after 12 months - strict deadline
- 💡Driving school prices among the highest in Europe
- 💡EU/EFTA citizens have the simplest exchange process
expatLicense.countryPage.officialResources.title
expatLicense.sections.faq.title
Can I take the Swiss driving test in English?
No, the test is only available in German, French, or Italian depending on your canton. Practice with AutoviaTest in English to learn the rules before taking the test in the local language.
What is the Nothelferkurs?
The Nothelferkurs is a mandatory 10-hour emergency first aid course. It costs around CHF 150 and must be completed before you can apply for the driving test. It covers basic life-saving skills for traffic accidents.
Can I exchange my US or UK license?
Yes, but you'll need to pass both the theory test and practical test. The advantage is you can skip mandatory driving school hours that new drivers must complete.
What happens if I miss the 12-month deadline?
Your foreign license becomes invalid in Switzerland after 12 months. You would then need to go through the full new driver process, including Nothelferkurs, mandatory driving lessons, and all tests.
Why does the test language vary?
Switzerland has four official languages. Each canton administers tests in its primary language: German in Zürich/Bern, French in Geneva/Lausanne, Italian in Ticino. There is no English option.
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