Driving Licence in Switzerland: Categories, Validity & Application
The driving licence in Switzerland — Führerausweis, commonly called a driver’s license — is your key to mobility. In this comprehensive guide you will learn everything about the validity of old licenses, the different license categories, the difference between Category B and B1, vehicle authorisations, the application process and the international driving permit — including for foreigners who need a driver’s license in Switzerland.
Table of contents
- Validity of old driving licenses
- How to get a Swiss driving license
- When do you need a new driving license?
- Swiss driving license categories
- Difference between Category B and B1
- Vehicles you can drive with Category B
- Vehicles in Category M
- Driving license for foreigners
- International driving permit (IDP)
- Ordering a Swiss driving license
- Lost driving license
- Swiss driving license code list
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is the old driving license still valid in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, all old paper driving licenses had to be exchanged for the new credit-card-format license by 31 January 2025. This rule applied to:
- Paper licenses in credit-card format (issued before 1999)
- Driving licenses in the blue booklet format
- Driving licenses with a grey or green cover
Credit-card-format driving licenses issued after 1 March 1999 remain valid until the expiry date printed on them. The exchange is straightforward and can be requested at your cantonal Road Traffic Office. Since 1 February 2025, old paper licenses are no longer recognised as valid; if you still hold one, apply for the exchange as soon as possible.
How do I get a driving license in Switzerland?
Obtaining a Swiss driving license involves several steps:
- First-Aid Course (Nothelferkurs): Complete the mandatory ten-hour first-aid course.
- Theory test: Pass the theory exam at the Road Traffic Office.
- Learner’s permit (Lernfahrausweis): Apply for the learner’s permit (valid for two years).
- Driving lessons: Book lessons with an accredited driving school — our guide to driving lesson costs in Switzerland shows what to budget.
- Traffic-awareness course: Attend the mandatory Traffic Awareness Course (VKU).
- Practical test: Pass the practical driving exam.
- WAB course: Complete the one-day WAB course within twelve months after passing the practical test.
After successful completion you receive the definitive driving license after a three-year probationary period.
What does it cost? Lesson, course and cantonal fees add up across these steps. See our full price breakdown for driver training and licence fees to estimate the total cost of your driver’s license.
When do I need to apply for a new driving license?
You need to apply for a new driving license in the following situations:
- When the expiry date is reached (probationary license after 3 years)
- After a change of name (marriage, divorce)
- After a change of address (the license stays the same, but the address must be reported to the Road Traffic Office)
- If the license is lost or stolen
- If the license is damaged
- When extending your driving privileges (adding a new category)
- For the historic exchange of the old paper license (deadline was 31 January 2025)
You can request your new Swiss driving license online via your canton’s portal or in person at the Road Traffic Office.
Swiss driving license categories
Switzerland defines a number of driving license categories, each covering specific vehicle types:
Category A
Motorcycles (unrestricted)
Minimum age: 18, but only after holding the restricted A license for 2 years
Category B
Passenger cars up to 3.5 tonnes
Minimum age: 17 (accompanied driving)
Category M
Light two-wheelers (mopeds)
Minimum age: 14
Category G
Agricultural vehicles
Minimum age: 14
Category D1
Minibus with 10–17 seats including the driver
Minimum age: 18
Certain vehicle types such as taxis require additional qualifications. Read more about the taxi exam. Planning to ride? Our motorcycle licence guide walks through A1, 35 kW and A step by step.
What is the difference between Category B and B1?
Many people confuse Category B and B1. The main differences are:
Category B
- Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross weight
- Up to 8 passenger seats (excluding the driver)
- With a trailer up to 750 kg gross weight, or a combination total no greater than 3.5 tonnes
- Minimum age: 17
Category B1
- Four-wheeled light motor vehicles (e.g. Renault Twizy)
- Three-wheeled motor vehicles (e.g. Piaggio)
- Unladen weight max. 670 kg
- Minimum age: 18
The B1 license does not entitle you to drive ordinary passenger cars covered by Category B. The other way around it does — a Category B license covers B1 vehicles too (except when driving on a learner’s permit).
Which vehicles can I drive with a Category B license?
With a Category B license you may drive the following vehicles:
- Passenger cars up to 3.5 tonnes gross weight
- Camper vans up to 3.5 t
- Minibuses with up to 8 passenger seats (excluding the driver)
- Light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 t
- Vehicle + trailer combinations with a total weight up to 3.5 t
In addition, a Category B license also entitles you to drive vehicles in Category M (mopeds), F (work machines) and G (tractors). For heavier trailer combinations, see the Category BE guide.
Which vehicles fall under Category M?
Category M covers light two-wheelers, commonly known as mopeds:
- Two-wheelers with an engine capacity up to 50 cm³
- Maximum design speed of 30 km/h
- Maximum power of 0.5 kW for electric mopeds (1 kW with restricted speed)
The minimum age is 14. A Category B license automatically covers Category M.
Driving license for foreigners in Switzerland
If you are a foreign resident in Switzerland, special rules apply:
- EU/EFTA citizens: Your foreign license is usually exchanged without taking a new test.
- Third-country nationals: Your foreign license is valid for 12 months after arrival; afterwards you must exchange it — depending on the issuing country, a control drive may be required.
- Exchange: The foreign license can be exchanged for a Swiss one if you hold a valid residence permit.
- Requirements: The foreign license must be valid and either issued in one of the Swiss official languages or accompanied by a certified translation.
For licenses issued by certain countries, a control drive or test is mandatory. See the full guide to exchanging a foreign licence, or check the rules with your cantonal Road Traffic Office well in advance.
International driving permit (IDP)
The international driving permit is a translation document that accompanies your national licence — it is never valid on its own. Foreign visitors can drive in Switzerland on their national licence for up to 12 months, so most tourists do not need an IDP here; it matters mainly when your licence is not issued in a language the authorities can read.
Swiss residents mostly need an IDP the other way round — for trips abroad (for example to the USA). How to apply, what it costs and which countries require one are covered in our detailed international driving licence guide.
Ordering a Swiss driving license
You can order a new driving license in several ways:
- Online: Through your canton’s portal (usually available for renewals and exchanges).
- In person: At the Road Traffic Office of your canton of residence.
- By post: Using the official application form.
Documents you need:
- Valid identity document (ID card or passport)
- Old driving license (for renewals or exchanges)
- Passport photo to Swiss standards
- Proof of residence
- For first-time issue: confirmation of passed exams
Processing usually takes 10–15 working days. Fees vary by canton, typically between CHF 30 and CHF 50.
Lost driving license in Switzerland — what to do?
If your license is lost or stolen, take the following steps:
- Report it: File a report with the police.
- Inform the Road Traffic Office: Notify your cantonal Road Traffic Office without delay.
- Apply for a replacement: Request a replacement license with the same documents as for a new application.
- Note down the license number: Having your license number ready speeds up the process.
A lost license is automatically blocked. If you find it later, you can have the block lifted at the Road Traffic Office.
Swiss driving license code list
The back of your Swiss driving license contains various codes. The most common ones are:
| Code | Meaning | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Vision correction (glasses / contact lenses) | Permanent |
| 02 | Hearing aid / communication aid | Permanent |
| 03 | Limb prosthesis / orthosis | Permanent |
| 10 | Adapted transmission | Permanent |
| 15 | Adapted clutch | Permanent |
| 20 | Adapted braking system | Permanent |
| 25 | Adapted acceleration system | Permanent |
| 70 | Exchange of driving license No. … | Permanent |
| 71 | Duplicate driving license | Permanent |
| 101 | Vehicle no wider than … m | Permanent |
These restrictions must be observed at all times while driving. Violations can result in fines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it called a driver’s license or a driving licence in Switzerland?
Both terms mean the same document. The official Swiss name is Führerausweis (driving licence); English speakers — especially from the US — usually say driver’s license. Whichever term you use, the categories, validity and application steps on this page apply.
How long does it take to receive my new driving license?
You usually receive the new license within 10–15 working days after applying. Some cantons offer express options for an additional fee.
Can I drive in Switzerland with my foreign driving license?
Yes, temporarily. Tourists may drive on their national license for up to 12 months in Switzerland. If you take up residence here, you must exchange the license within one year.
How much does it cost to exchange the old driving license?
The exchange fee varies by canton, typically between CHF 25 and CHF 40. A new passport photo is an additional cost.
Can I tow a trailer with a Category B license?
Yes — with a Category B license you may tow a trailer as long as the combination (vehicle + trailer) does not exceed 3.5 tonnes total weight. For heavier trailers you need Category BE.
Is the Swiss driving license valid abroad?
The Swiss driving license is recognised in all EU/EFTA states and in many other countries worldwide. For some countries (for example the USA) an additional International Driving Permit is recommended.
What if I never exchanged my old paper license before the 2025 deadline?
Since 1 February 2025, old paper driving licenses are no longer valid. Driving without a valid license is a traffic offence and can result in fines. Apply for the exchange at your cantonal Road Traffic Office as soon as possible.
Ready for your Swiss driving license?
Whether you are starting from scratch, adding a new category or preparing for the theory test — we support you all the way to your license.
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