Driving in Switzerland

Foreign nationals can drive in Switzerland with their national driving license up to 12 months. If you drive under a professional license (bus driver, truck driver etc..), it is imperative to get a Swiss license upon arrival. For more information, please refer to the PDF issued by the "Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation" (SAN) of state of Vaud at http://www.san.vd.ch/permis/. 

Beyond 12 months, it is necessary to exchange your national driving license for a Swiss driving license. Depending on your origin, you will not have to take further driving examinations to get a Swiss driving license. For a complete list of supporting documents required by nationality, please refer to the PDF issued by the SAN at http://www.san.vd.ch/. 

How to exchange driver's license? 

It is imperative to contact the "Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation" of your canton of residence to get complete documents checklist required to exchange your driving license. To get the address of the SAN in your canton, please refer to http://www.asa.ch/. 

Generally, the documents checklist includes: 

• the application form completed and signed;
• one photograph;
• your national driver's license accompanied with an official translation if necessary; 
• a sight test; 
• payment of administrative fees; 
• your residence permit. 

Particular formalities apply to professional driving licenses. Contact the SAN of your canton for more information. 

 Good to know: 

To drive on Swiss highways, it is imperative to purchase a road-fund license (CHF 40), valid for A year. You can purchase your license at Swiss borders. Pay attention to speed controls and respect speed limits in any case! 

 Useful links: 

Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation - State of Vaud

http://www.san.vd.ch/

Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation - State of Valais

http://www.vs.ch/

Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation - State of Genève

http://www.geneve.ch/

Service des Véhicules - State of Jura

http://www.jura.ch/

Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation - State of Fribourg

http://www.ocn.ch/

Office de la Circulation Routière et de la Navigation - State of  Berne

http://www.pom.be.ch/

 

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