Control drive

Control drive – test for driving licence exchange

You have a foreign driving licence and want to exchange it in Switzerland? In many cases, the Road Traffic Office requires a control drive. We specifically prepare you for this test – with Swiss traffic rules, the right driving technique and a test route simulation.

12 current instructors

53 regions with offers

See available offers Common questions

Why this page helps

These points make the difference

Targeted test preparation

We know the requirements of the cantonal Road Traffic Offices and specifically prepare you for the control drive.

No theory test required

EU/EFTA licences are exchanged without a control drive. It is third-country licences that require one.

Possible with your own car

Many learners feel safer in their own car. At DriveLab you save CHF 20/lesson with the code "gotmyowncar".

Fast exchange

After passing the control drive, you receive the Swiss driving licence. The entire process usually takes 2–6 weeks.

For whom

These situations are covered

EU/EFTA citizens

Your German, Austrian or French driving licence must be exchanged within 12 months — without a control drive and without a theory test.

Third-country citizens

Even with a US, Canadian or Australian driving licence, an exchange is possible – often with a control drive and sometimes an additional theory test.

British licences

After Brexit, British licences are treated as third-country licences. An exchange with a control drive is still possible.

Returners

Back behind the wheel in Switzerland after a long break? The control drive ensures that you know the Swiss rules.

Learning content

What you will learn

Swiss traffic rules

Right-of-way rules, roundabouts, speed limits, pedestrian crossings – the differences between your home country and Switzerland are systematically repeated.

Right-of-way rules & roundabouts

Priority to the right, entering and exiting roundabouts, bicycle priority – typical test situations that we specifically practise.

Motorway & country roads

Safe overtaking, merging, 120 km/h, vignette – the peculiarities of Swiss long-distance traffic.

Parking & manoeuvring

Parallel parking, reversing, turning manoeuvres – repeatable techniques that are required in the test.

Facts

Important facts at a glance

12 months

You have to exchange your foreign driving licence. After that it is no longer considered valid.

45 Min

Duration of the control drive. It is more demanding than a normal driving test, but feasible with the right preparation.

CHF 140

approx. fee at the Road Traffic Office for the exchange (canton-dependent). Plus driving lessons and test fee.

CHF 90–140

Price per preparation lesson. With the code "gotmyowncar" you save CHF 20/lesson when booking with your own car.

Step by step

How the licence exchange works

From foreign driving licence to Swiss permit in 4 steps:

Fill in application form + eye test

Download the exchange application, fill it in and have an optician confirm the eye test.

Submit to the Road Traffic Office

Go with the completed form, passport photo, foreign driving licence and residence permit to the residents' office or Road Traffic Office.

Receive decision

After a few days you will find out whether your licence can be exchanged without a test or whether a control drive is required.

Book & pass the control drive

Book targeted preparation lessons with a DriveLab instructor and pass the control drive at the Road Traffic Office.

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Application forms by canton

Zürich Zug Bern Luzern Aargau St. Gallen Basel-Stadt Basel-Landschaft Thurgau Schwyz Solothurn Graubünden

Regional

Control drives in your region

Find experienced instructors for control drives near you.

Zurich 2 instructors Bern 1 instructor Lucerne 3 instructors Zug 2 instructors Rapperswil 1 instructor Uster 1 instructor Aargau 1 instructor Bennau 3 instructors Adligenswil 3 instructors Binz 2 instructors Allenwinden 2 instructors Baar 2 instructors Cham 2 instructors Hagendorn 2 instructors Altendorf 2 instructors Baldegg 2 instructors Ballwil 2 instructors Au ZH 2 instructors Adliswil 2 instructors Aathal-Seegraben 1 instructor Bassersdorf 1 instructor Bertschikon (Gossau ZH) 1 instructor Bruttisellen 1 instructor Hunenberg 1 instructor Bach SZ 1 instructor Egg SZ 1 instructor Einsiedeln 1 instructor Feusisberg 1 instructor Aefligen 1 instructor Arni BE 1 instructor Belp 1 instructor Belpberg 1 instructor Beromunster 1 instructor Buchrain 1 instructor Alberswil 1 instructor Altishofen 1 instructor Alpnach Dorf 1 instructor Alpnachstad 1 instructor Buochs 1 instructor Dallenwil 1 instructor Ebertswil 1 instructor Auslikon 1 instructor Benken SG 1 instructor Birmensdorf ZH 1 instructor Adlikon b. Regensdorf 1 instructor Aesch ZH 1 instructor Bachenbulach 1 instructor Aarau 1 instructor Aarau Rohr 1 instructor Aarburg 1 instructor Aarwangen 1 instructor Aesch BL 1 instructor Allerheiligenberg 1 instructor

Show all 53 regions

Adligenswil 3 instructors Binz 2 instructors Allenwinden 2 instructors Baar 2 instructors Cham 2 instructors Hagendorn 2 instructors Altendorf 2 instructors Baldegg 2 instructors Ballwil 2 instructors Au ZH 2 instructors Adliswil 2 instructors Aathal-Seegraben 1 instructor Bassersdorf 1 instructor Bertschikon (Gossau ZH) 1 instructor Bruttisellen 1 instructor Hunenberg 1 instructor Bach SZ 1 instructor Egg SZ 1 instructor Einsiedeln 1 instructor Feusisberg 1 instructor Aefligen 1 instructor Arni BE 1 instructor Belp 1 instructor Belpberg 1 instructor Beromunster 1 instructor Buchrain 1 instructor Alberswil 1 instructor Altishofen 1 instructor Alpnach Dorf 1 instructor Alpnachstad 1 instructor Buochs 1 instructor Dallenwil 1 instructor Ebertswil 1 instructor Auslikon 1 instructor Benken SG 1 instructor Birmensdorf ZH 1 instructor Adlikon b. Regensdorf 1 instructor Aesch ZH 1 instructor Bachenbulach 1 instructor Aarau 1 instructor Aarau Rohr 1 instructor Aarburg 1 instructor Aarwangen 1 instructor Aesch BL 1 instructor Allerheiligenberg 1 instructor

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a control drive for licence exchange?

The control drive is a practical test required by the Road Traffic Office when you want to exchange a foreign driving licence in Switzerland. It lasts approx. 45 minutes and checks whether you know the Swiss traffic rules and drive safely.

Who has to do a control drive?

Almost everyone with a foreign driving licence who has moved their residence to Switzerland must exchange it within 12 months. Whether a control drive is required is decided by the Road Traffic Office depending on the country of origin and agreement.

How does the control drive work?

The control drive lasts approx. 45 minutes and is accompanied by an examiner from the Road Traffic Office. You drive various traffic situations: city traffic, country roads, motorway, parking and manoeuvring. The examiner assesses your driving technique and behaviour in traffic.

Can I drive my own car for the control drive?

Yes, this is usually possible. However, your vehicle must comply with Swiss regulations. Many learners practise with the driving school car and then take the test in their own car.

What happens if I fail the control drive?

You can retake the control drive. Between attempts, we recommend additional driving lessons to improve the points that were criticised. There is no limit to the number of attempts.

How many preparation lessons do I need?

This is very individual. Those who already have a lot of experience often manage with 3–5 lessons. Those who have not driven for a long time or are not familiar with Swiss rules may need 6–10 lessons.

How much does the entire exchange cost?

The fee at the Road Traffic Office is approx. CHF 140 (canton-dependent). In addition, there are preparation lessons (approx. CHF 90–140/lesson) and the test fee (approx. CHF 120–200). With the code "gotmyowncar" you save CHF 20/lesson when booking with your own car.

How long does the entire process take?

From application to the new licence, it usually takes 2–6 weeks, depending on the workload of the Road Traffic Office and your readiness for the test.

Book directly

Current offers for control drives

These instructors offer targeted preparation for the control drive.

Zurich

2 instructors

Open region

Sandras Fahrschule

Sandra Hofstetter

Automatic

Toyota Corolla GR Sport

I am Sandra from Sandras Fahrschule – a patient female driving instructor with a sense of humour. Your automatic driving lessons in Zurich start at Bahnhof…

German English

Fahrlektion 45 Minuten Einzellektion: 45 Minuten Fahrunterricht mit Sandra Hofstetter kosten CHF 90.

45 min CHF90.00

Fahrlektion 60 Minuten Einzellektion: 60 Minuten Fahrunterricht kosten CHF 118.

60 min CHF120.00

Fahrlektion 75 Minuten Einzellektion: 75 Minuten Fahrunterricht kosten CHF 145.

75 min CHF150.00

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SciroccoSkillz

Filippo Scirocco

Automatic

TESLA Model 3

I am Filippo from SciroccoSkillz. I tailor every driving lesson in Zurich and the surrounding area to how you learn – with patience, calm explanations and…

German English Italian

First trial lesson - SciroccoSkillz Trial lesson to get to know each other for the first time

45 min CHF74.00

driving lesson 45 minutes - SciroccoSkillz 45 minutes drive from Scirocco

45 min CHF94.00

Tesla First Drive (Trial Package und Einstieg in die Tesla-Welt) - SciroccoSkillz Du willst einen Tesla kennenlernen oder einfach einmal entspannt elektrisch fahren? Im Tesla Model 3 lernst Du die wichtigsten Funktionen kennen und…

60 min CHF99.00

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Bern

1 instructor

Open region

Easy Drive Bern

Ibrahim Cangür

Automatic

Peugeot 208 GT Line

Hi! I am your driving coach in Bern. With more than 20 years of experience, I help you master the road with confidence.

German English Turkish

Probelektion 45 Minuten Ideal, um Ibrahim kennenzulernen und deinen aktuellen Stand realistisch einzuschätzen. Ihr besprecht gemeinsam, worauf du dich in den nächsten Lektionen konzentrieren solltest.

45 min CHF69.00

Fahrlektion 45 Minuten Die klassische Fahrlektion für regelmässige Fortschritte im Stadtverkehr, bei Manövern und auf typischen Prüfungsstrecken rund um Bern.

45 min CHF94.00

Fahrlektion 75 Minuten Mehr Fahrzeit für kombinierte Trainings im Stadtverkehr, auf Hauptstrassen und bei anspruchsvolleren Verkehrssituationen in einer Session.

75 min CHF141.00

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Lucerne

3 instructors

Open region

GO-STOP Fahrschule

Massimo Svaldi

Automatic

Ford PUMA

I guide you safely to your driving licence. Since 1994, I have offered professional driving education in Lucerne and Sursee with experience, quality, and proven results.…

German English Italian

driving lesson 45 minutes - GOSTOP Driving hour 45 minutes at GOSTOP

45 min CHF90.00

driving lesson 1 hour 15 minutes - GOSTOP Driving hour 75 minutes at GOSTOP

75 min CHF135.00

driving lesson 1 hour 30 minutes - GOSTOP Driving hour 90 minutes at GOSTOP

90 min CHF180.00

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Hubis Fahrschule

Sascha Huber

Automatic

Skoda Karoq

Whether you want to learn to drive a car or tow a trailer – at Hubis Fahrschule we're the experts in the Sursee and Lucerne region.

German

Fahrstunde Auto 50min

50 min CHF90.00

Fahrstunde Auto 100min

100 min CHF180.00

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Initial Drive

Patrik Stadelmann

Automatic

Toyota GR86

I'm your friendly and patient driving instructor for Lucerne and Nidwalden. Expect a respectful, completely stress-free atmosphere combined with focused, highly efficient lessons. Benefit from my…

German English French

Probelektion Lerne mich und das Auto unverbindlich kennen – der perfekte Start.

45 min CHF60.00

Einzellektion Volle Flexibilität ohne Bindung – ideal für den gezielten Feinschliff vor der Prüfung.

45 min CHF95.00

Doppellektion Meine Topempfehlung, um effizient vorwärts zu kommen.

90 min CHF190.00

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Zug

2 instructors

Open region

Drive Point Krähenbühl

Marc Krähenbühl

Auto & Manual

Volkswagen Golf 8 Life

I, Marc Kraehenbuehl, offer driving lessons with Drive Point Kraehenbuehl in the canton of Zug in automatic and manual cars, including support for theory preparation and…

German

Trial lesson The trial lesson is an introductory lesson at an affordable price. It can only be booked once per student.

50 min CHF59.00

Individual lesson Car driving lesson 50 minutes at Drive Point Krähenbühl - Suitable for introducing a new topic or for repetition.

50 min CHF92.00

Extended lesson Car driving lesson 75 minutes at Drive Point Krähenbühl - Good for implementing what you have recently learned, for example on longer…

75 min CHF152.00

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Learn-fast.ch Andrea Mösch

Andrea Mösch

Automatic

Volvo EX 30

Hi, I am Andrea Moesch. Since 2022 I have been working as a category B driving instructor in and around Zug, supporting you on your path…

German English French

45 Min Lektion (Wiederholung) Geeignet als Wiederholungslektion um ein Thema zu vertiefen.

45 min CHF93.00

60 Min Lektion (Neulenker empfohlen) Diese Lektion ist aus meiner Sicht die richtige Wahl für Neulenker. In 60 Minuten können wir ein Thema vertieft anschauen und trainieren,…

60 min CHF122.00

Recommendation (75 min lesson) Recommendation! In the 75 minute lesson we can check whether what we learned from the last lesson works and learn new things,…

75 min CHF152.00

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Rapperswil

1 instructor

Open region

Marino

Antonio Marino

Automatic

Cupra Born

I'm Antonio and I run Fahrschule Marino with Italian warmth – relaxed, professional driving lessons in the Rapperswil and Glarus region, in six languages.

German English French

Fahrlektion 45 Minuten Einfache Fahrstunde mit Treffpunkt am Bahnhof Rapperswil.

45 min CHF103.00

Intensivblock 4 Lektionen Lerne in einem 4 Lektionen Block schnell Autofahren. Mit Pause in der Mitte, damit du fokussiert bleibst und intensiv trainieren kannst. Nach…

180 min CHF369.00

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Uster

1 instructor

Open region

Diversity Drive

Daniela Niederer

Automatic

Spirit Mustang Mach-E

I am Daniela "Dela" Niederer, a certified driving instructor. At my driving school in the Zurich Oberland you learn to drive calmly, safely and in a…

German English

Driving lesson 45 minutes Single automatic driving lesson in the Uster / Zurich Oberland area. Lessons in German or English. Booking is currently handled directly by…

45 min CHF95.00

Fahrlektion 75 Minuten Verlängerte Fahrlektion à 75 Minuten — CHF 2.00/Minute (Total CHF 150.–).

75 min CHF150.00

Doppellektion 90 Minuten Doppellektion à 90 Minuten — ideal für Autobahn, Nachtfahrt oder Manöver. CHF 1.94/Minute (Total CHF 175.–).

90 min CHF175.00

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Aargau

1 instructor

Open region

SciroccoSkillz

Filippo Scirocco

Automatic

TESLA Model 3

I am Filippo from SciroccoSkillz. I tailor every driving lesson in Zurich and the surrounding area to how you learn – with patience, calm explanations and…

German English Italian

First trial lesson - SciroccoSkillz Trial lesson to get to know each other for the first time

45 min CHF74.00

driving lesson 45 minutes - SciroccoSkillz 45 minutes drive from Scirocco

45 min CHF94.00

60 min CHF99.00

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Bennau

3 instructors

Open region

Driving Unlimited

Dominic Artiglio

Automatic

Subaru BRZ (automatic)

I offer professional driving lessons in Zurich and the surrounding area, in automatic and manual cars. At Driving Unlimited you get lessons that are enjoyable, educational…

German English

driving lesson 60 minutes Driving hour 75 minutes at Driving Unlimited

60 min CHF130.00

driving lesson 75 minutes Professional driving lessons for safe, relaxed and efficient training. With my calm manner, clear explanations and a structured learning system, I accompany…

75 min CHF165.00

driving lesson 90 minutes driving lesson 90 minutes at Driving Unlimited

90 min CHF195.00

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Marino

Antonio Marino

Automatic

Cupra Born

I'm Antonio and I run Fahrschule Marino with Italian warmth – relaxed, professional driving lessons in the Rapperswil and Glarus region, in six languages.

German English French

Fahrlektion 45 Minuten Einfache Fahrstunde mit Treffpunkt am Bahnhof Rapperswil.

45 min CHF103.00

Intensivblock 4 Lektionen Lerne in einem 4 Lektionen Block schnell Autofahren. Mit Pause in der Mitte, damit du fokussiert bleibst und intensiv trainieren kannst. Nach…

180 min CHF369.00

Book a control drive now View profile