VKU

VKU

In this article you will learn everything about the VKU course (Verkehrskunde). What content can you expect? How much does it normally cost? When do I have to attend the road safety course? Which course topics are covered? You will find answers to all these questions in this article.
We will also keep you up to date on the planned amendment to the VKU law. This is due to be modernized soon.

Course content

The VKU is an accident prevention course. Accidents are particularly common among new drivers after their driving test. However, this risk is avoidable. In road safety lessons, you will therefore learn strategies to be safer on the road. You will be sensitized to particularly common causes of accidents and weaknesses in young drivers.

Topic Learning objectives Contents Organization

Part 1: Traffic vision and function of the sensory organs

Develop an understanding of sensorimotor skills and vision; ability to use different gaze techniques in traffic

Sensorimotor skills

  • Basics and application in vehicle operation
  • Reaction mechanisms: understanding perception and reaction
  • Development of automatisms

Vision

  • Function and importance of the human eye
Sense of sight
  • Eye as a control organ
  • Importance of vision for driving
  • Visual disturbances: Causes, effects, measures
  • Aspects of seeing: everyday life vs. traffic, static/dynamic, central/peripheral, spatial
  • Adaptation to lighting conditions and color perception

Gaze techniques and filters

  • Everyday and traffic-specific view filters
  • Techniques for multiple observation and dealing with optical illusions

Development of traffic vision

  • Phases: Stuttering gaze, near vision, tube vision, compulsive gaze

Gaze techniques in traffic

  • Application in various driving situations: open road, bends, narrow sections, turning, encountering in the dark, maneuvering

Orientation techniques

  • Use of mirrors and gaze techniques for spatial awareness and lane changes
  • Direct eye contact and double vision
Learning videos, group work, presentation

Part 2: Traffic environment

Recognize different road users and road types; awareness of seasonal and diurnal influences

Partner customer

  • 3-A training in practice
  • Types of road users: vehicle-related, person-related, in need of assistance

Street science

  • Depth elements: Road layout such as curves, gradients, junctions
  • Edge elements: Markings and unintended guiding elements such as buildings
  • Basic elements: Road surface condition
  • Special road types: Highways, mountain and residential roads

Daily customer

  • Seasons: Characteristics and weather influences
  • Days of the week: accident frequency, special days
  • Times of day: Rush hours, school and work traffic
Group work, 360 degree video, worksheet

Part 3: Traffic dynamics

Understanding of driving physics and vehicle condition; ability to analyze complex traffic movements

Vehicle condition

  • Operational and traffic safety

Driving physics

  • Forces: drive, brakes, centrifugal force
  • Vehicle dynamics: wheel load, friction, shock absorbers
  • Vehicle construction: center of gravity, self-steering behavior
  • Safety: Stopping distance, impact force

Traffic movement

  • Communication: Intention display, clear driving
  • Lane use: driving on the right, lane behavior
  • Special situations: Railroad crossings, traffic jams

Maneuvering in traffic

  • Passing: Crossing, overtaking
  • Changing lanes: merging, turning, traffic circles
  • Column: driving side by side, avoiding traffic jams
Learning job with operating instructions/ChatGPT, learning videos, math problem, Kahoot

Part 4: Traffic tactics

Awareness of driving skills and eco-driving practices; use of defensive driving techniques

Driving ability

  • State of health
  • Reduce distractions
  • Dealing with time pressure and stress
  • Avoidance of tiredness and fatigue
  • Attention when taking medication, alcohol and narcotics

Eco-Drive

  • Knowledge of the environmental impact of driving
  • Reduction of noise, fuel consumption and emissions
  • Selection and efficient use of the vehicle
  • Removal of unnecessary loads, planning of efficient routes
  • Continuous, anticipatory driving and optimum gear selection
  • Avoid idling and abrupt driving
  • Regular vehicle maintenance

Defensive driving

Principle: Avoid what is forbidden, obey what is commanded, do what is permitted with caution.

Experiment, group discussion, evaluation

VKU cost calculator

The costs for the road safety course are generally between between CHF 139 and CHF 280.. Please note that some providers still have hidden costs for learning materials or administration. However, these should generally be included in the course fee. The course certificate is also free of charge for driving schools and is usually issued at no extra cost. However, it is not mandatory to submit a certificateas the course is recorded electronically and reported immediately to the relevant road traffic office.
It is best to briefly read the provider’s bad reviews. It often states whether there was a nasty surprise.
At the DriveLab driving school all costs are always included in the quoted price.
Use our calculator to display the costs for your VKU. It makes calculating easier for you. 😉
Total amount VKU: CHF0

The perfect time to attend the VKU course

Road safety lessons can help you to make better progress in your driving lessons. It therefore makes sense to complete it at the beginning of your driver training. Directly after the end of the course, you will also be registered for the exam. So if you

Book the VKU

Book a VKU course near you here.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Was macht man an einem VKU?

Ideally, the VKU offers you a varied course with exciting learning methods and lots of interaction with other students.

Wie viele Stunden geht die Verkehrskunde?

The course lasts a total of 8 hours. These can be split over two or four days. At DriveLab, the course always takes place on two days of 4 hours each.

Wer muss VKU machen?

Anyone who wants to get a driver’s license for a car or motorcycle. So the categories A1, A-restricted, A and B.

Wie lange ist VKU gültig Schweiz?

The VKU has been valid indefinitely since January 1, 2021. All courses attended prior to this are valid for 2 years. The entire course must then be repeated.

Was muss ich für den VKU mitnehmen?

Everything is taken care of. You just need to take a pen with you.

Warum VKU?

The course is designed to reduce the number of accidents involving new drivers. It was introduced in 1993 because the number of accidents involving young drivers was particularly high.

Kann man den VKU in einem anderen Kanton machen?

Yes. You can take the traffic course anywhere in Switzerland or in the Principality of Liechtenstein. The confirmation is valid throughout Switzerland and is immediately visible to the road traffic office in your canton of residence.

Was muss ich alles für die Autoprüfung machen?
  1. First aid course
  2. Eye test
  3. Theory exam
  4. VKU course
  5. Driving lessons
  6. Practical car test
  7. WAB Course

VKU Contact

Do you have a question about the VKU course? Then write a comment or contact us via WhatsApp and phone.
Driving instructor Dario Lichtensteiger

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