Targeted test preparation
We know the requirements of the cantonal Road Traffic Offices and specifically prepare you for the control drive.
Control drive
Control drive in Olten
Refresher lessons and targeted preparation for the control drive in Olten – for new drivers, seniors and returners.
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current instructor
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regions with offers
In Olten, Verkehrsschule Mittelland currently covers this service on DriveLab. Lessons are available in German, Turkish. Vehicles: Automatic.
Why this page helps
These points make the difference
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
You have to exchange your foreign driving licence. After that it is no longer considered valid.
Duration of the control drive. It is more demanding than a normal driving test, but feasible with the right preparation.
approx. fee at the Road Traffic Office for the exchange (canton-dependent). Plus driving lessons and test fee.
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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Regional
Control drives in your region
Find experienced instructors for control drives near you.
There are currently no instructors in this region. Check back soon or contact us.
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.
There are currently no instructors in this region. Check back soon or contact us.