Changing driving instructor in Switzerland: skills, communication and costs
A change may help with tuition, scheduling or treatment. First separate three questions: is a driving skill still missing, is the explanation unclear, or is the way you are treated unacceptable?
In short
You can look for another instructor and have your current skills assessed. Organise the change using your records and agreed terms: upcoming appointments, prepaid lessons, possible charges and the new training plan. Repeated shouting or personal humiliation is not something you must accept as a necessary part of learning. Distinguish it from an urgent safety instruction during immediate danger.
What should improve after the change?
On small screens, scroll the table sideways to see every column.
| Problem | Clarify before deciding | Goal for the next school |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable appointments are too rare. | Which times are actually available? Is an internal change possible? | Regular availability that fits your schedule. |
| Feedback or goals are unclear. | Ask for a specific example and an observable next step. | Understandable explanation and a short written progress review. |
| You think you are ready for the test; the instructor disagrees. | Which safety-relevant tasks still require help? | A reasoned assessment, not a promised test entry. |
| You experience repeated humiliation, threats or disrespect. | Record the facts; a direct confrontation is not required before seeking other support. | Respectful communication and clear boundaries. |
My instructor shouts at me: what can I do?
A short, loud “Brake!” may be necessary in immediate danger. Personal insults, repeated humiliation or threats are different. If these situations affect your concentration, raise the issue after parking safely or contact the school management. You do not have to attend a discussion alone.
Record the date, situation and what was said or done as accurately as possible. Keep existing messages and invoices. Ask someone you trust for support if you wish. For concerns about professional conduct, ask the cantonal road traffic office which body is responsible; payment disputes and professional supervision are different matters. Avoid publishing unverified allegations about named people.
Tell a prospective instructor: “I need clear instructions and a calm debrief. When something goes wrong, I want to understand what to change.” Use the first lesson to see whether that approach works in practice.
My instructor will not enter me for the test
Ask for the specific reason: missing skills, test appointment availability or access to a car? For a learning issue, agree an observable task and a later review. Another assessment may help when discussions stall; a certain number of paid lessons does not prove readiness.
Booking a test yourself is different from being ready for it. Zurich offers self-service test booking. Admission and test-car requirements still apply. After two failed practical tests, article 23 of the licensing ordinance requires an instructor to certify that training is complete. Changing instructor does not remove that condition.
See the practical test guide for preparation and steps after failure. Check the procedure with your canton before cancelling lessons or an existing test appointment.
Checklist for an organised change
- Documents: Gather your learner permit, course records, learning goals and any test feedback.
- Appointments: List reserved lessons and tests, follow agreed cancellation terms and request confirmation.
- Payments: Reconcile lessons paid for and taken. Request the remaining balance and contractual settlement in writing.
- New costs: Clarify lesson price and length, possible charges, familiarisation with the car and test-day costs. This guide does not promise a refund of old credit.
- First appointment: Explain goals and experience; ask for a reasoned assessment rather than a fixed number of remaining lessons.
- Review: Check that you understand the feedback and that the plan fits your skills.
A factual message you can adapt
Hello, I would like to reorganise my further driving training. Please confirm my remaining appointments and their cancellation terms, and provide a statement of lessons paid for and taken. Please explain how any remaining credit will be settled under our agreement. For continuing my training, I would also appreciate the existing record of learning goals and any test documents. Thank you.
Adapt this to your actual circumstances. It does not assert a universal right to reimbursement or replace checking your agreement. Use lesson booking to find another instructor and explain whether you need different communication, appointment availability or a second assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I lose all my previous lessons when switching?
Your skills remain. The new instructor needs to assess your current level and familiarise you with the car. Bring learning goals and test feedback. Any financial credit must be settled separately under your previous agreement.
Will unused prepaid lessons be refunded automatically?
A complete automatic refund cannot be promised without examining the agreement and circumstances. Request an itemised statement of used services, remaining credit and proposed settlement.
Must I first have an uncomfortable confrontation?
You can initially seek support from school management, someone you trust or another instructor. You do not have to confront repeated humiliation alone.
Related guides
Discuss your next learning step
Choose an available instructor and explain the support you need before the lesson. Check the price, duration and terms of the individual offer.
Sources: Swiss licensing ordinance, version 1 January 2026: articles 22 and 23 (German) · Canton Zurich: book or reschedule a test yourself (German) · Canton Zurich: admission, repeat attempts and vehicle requirements (German) · Sources checked: 20 September 2026. Learning templates and examples: DriveLab editorial team.