Can I take the practical driving test in English in Zurich?
The practical test in Zurich is in German. English is available for the basic theory test and with instructors who offer it. Practise German test directions with audio and English translations below.
Lessons in English, practical test in German
You do not need fluent German before starting driving lessons. You do need to understand your instructor and respond safely to German directions before the practical test. An English-speaking driving instructor does not mean the examiner will conduct your test in English.
| Step | Zurich and Zug | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Driving lessons | English with instructors who list it | Check teaching language, car and meeting point. |
| First aid and VKU courses | English on selected courses | Check the language of your actual course date. |
| Basic theory test | English available | This applies to the basic theory test, not every licence category. |
| Practical driving test | German | Practise German directions during your lessons. |
| WAB after the test | English dates with relevant providers | Check venue, language and availability before booking. |
These language rules come from the official pages for the Zurich theory test, Zurich practical test and learning to drive in Zug. Plan for a German practical test in Zug as well as Zurich.
Find English-speaking instructors and courses
DriveLab lets you compare independent driving instructors by teaching language, vehicle, meeting point and booking conditions. Choose an instructor who lists English before booking your first lesson. See current profiles for driving lessons in Zurich and driving lessons in Zug.
First aid course
You can attend a first aid course in English in Zurich. For English first aid courses in Zug, check the published dates. If none are shown, there is currently no bookable date listed there. An English course page by itself does not confirm an available place. Check the venue, price and teaching language for the course you choose.
Theory preparation and VKU
Use a learning product that covers the Swiss basic theory test in English. The asa directory lists official licensed products and their languages. Our free English theory practice test is a useful supplement, rather than a complete official question bank.
The English VKU course in Zurich has its own schedule. You need a valid learner’s permit to attend. Select an English course and check every day belonging to your chosen course group.
WAB in English
If you receive a probationary licence after your first practical test, the WAB follow-up course must be completed within twelve months. Our WAB course guide lists venues and languages. An English date at a venue you can reach may suit you better than a German course nearby. Agree any interpreter or accompanying-person arrangements with the provider before booking.
Ten German driving instructions with audio
First listen without reading the English translation. Explain what you would do, then check your answer. Practise at home or in a stationary car; keep your attention on the road while driving. These are learning examples, not a fixed script for the practical test.
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Biegen Sie am Lichtsignal links ab.
Turn left at the traffic lights.
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Am Kreisverkehrsplatz nehmen wir die dritte Ausfahrt. Erste, zweite, dritte Ausfahrt.
At the roundabout, take the third exit. First, second, third exit.
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An der Verzweigung fahren wir geradeaus.
Go straight ahead at the junction.
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Dort würden wir gerne seitwärts parkieren.
We would like you to parallel park over there.
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Am Lichtsignal biegen wir rechts ab.
Turn right at the traffic lights.
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Wir nehmen die Autobahn Richtung Chur.
Take the motorway towards Chur.
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Bitte parkieren Sie rückwärts ein.
Please reverse into a parking space.
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Bitte nehmen Sie die Hauptstrasse Richtung Luzern.
Please take the main road towards Lucerne.
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Bitte parkieren Sie vorwärts ein. Sie können einen Parkplatz auswählen.
Please drive forwards into a parking space. You can choose a space.
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Bitte wenden Sie bei Gelegenheit.
Please turn around when there is a suitable opportunity.
Watch the difference: Richtung means towards, while rechts means right. Bei Gelegenheit means finding a suitable opportunity, not turning immediately wherever you are. Ask for clarification if an instruction is unclear rather than making an abrupt manoeuvre.
Existing DriveLab learning video
Prepare the language alongside your driving
- Tell your instructor that you want lessons in English and practice with German test instructions.
- Use the recordings to learn words for directions, lanes, junctions, roundabouts and parking.
- As your test approaches, practise complete drives with German directions.
- Read your road traffic office’s instructions before applying, and raise any particular language needs early.
Already hold a foreign driving licence? You may need to exchange your driving licence rather than start the full learner-driver process.