Learn to Drive in Zurich
Whether you are planning a short trip to the city centre or a cross-country tour of Switzerland’s bustling cities and picturesque mountain landscapes, driving your own car allows you greater freedom to explore this Alpine wonderland. However, before you embark on this adventure it is important to familiarise yourself with the requirements and regulations of this country’s driving culture.
Switzerland’s road network is among Europe’s safest, with strict rules on speed limits and safety belts. In urban areas drivers should always respect pedestrians and cyclists, especially around crosswalks. In addition, priority is given to buses and trams on many roads.
Children under 12 years of age must travel in child seats, which should be properly fastened and bear the official ECE security label. It is also forbidden to carry more than two passengers in a vehicle. Drivers must have third-party insurance. It is generally recommended to take at least 10 driving lessons before taking the practical test Kontrollfahrt. It is also advisable to book this test well in advance, especially during the busy summer months.
The driving licence Learn to Drive in Zürich is issued by the canton of residence. It is valid for a maximum of 12 months and must be exchanged for a Swiss licence before the expiry date. Residents from other countries who wish to drive in Switzerland can do so for a period of up to 12 months after completing a driving theory and practical test. However, it is a good idea to make arrangements in advance to ensure that your foreign licence can be exchanged before the expiry date.
You can apply for a provisional driving licence at the road traffic office of your canton of residence from the age of 17. This allows you to practice under supervision with an accompanying driver. In addition, you must pass a first aid course and successfully complete a driving theory test.
The theory test can be taken in one of the national languages (French, German or Italian). You may be required to take an additional test if you fail your practical test. In such cases, you must wait a month before attempting the test again. If you fail a third time, your provisional licence is automatically revoked and you will have to undergo a psychological assessment before you can take another driving test.
Those who pass the practical test are awarded a full driving licence a few weeks after completing it. You can then purchase a car, import cars from abroad and access Swiss car insurance.
Anyone who fails the practical driving test must attend a driving aptitude test organised by their county of residence. The test is conducted in a special simulator and is designed to assess your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. In some cantons, this is carried out in the language of the applicant’s country of residence. In others, it is conducted in English. It is important to prepare for this test thoroughly, as it can be a significant setback if you do not pass it.