1. First Aid Course
Life-saving immediate measures are a basic component of driver training. First you have to learn everything important about first aid. The certificate is valid for six years. In the theoretical and practical lessons, you will learn how to secure the scene of an accident correctly, how to alert the emergency services efficiently and which life-saving measures you must be able to apply.
2. Eye Test
Next, you’ll need to take an eye test at an eye doctor or optometrist. The test is valid for two years. Enclose a copy of the emergency helper’s certificate and the completed form from the optician or ophthalmologist with the application for the learner’s permit. Also note the other instructions on the form.
3. Application Form
Now you’re ready to apply for your learner’s permit. Download the documents and fill them out. Then check that all the information is correct. You have to hand in the form personally at the residents’ registration office of your place of residence or at the responsible road traffic office. This step is only necessary if it is your first application.
Attention: At the time of applying for your learner’s permit, all documents must be valid and complete.
4. Theory Exam
Once the forms have been reviewed and accepted, you can register for the theory exam. So start practicing the theory now. There are several ways to prepare for the exam. Either you buy a conventional CD with the learning program, a textbook or you practice conveniently on the go with an app. The exam can be taken in the national languages German, French and Italian. The exam consists of 50 questions and is considered passed if 135 out of 150 points are achieved. If you pass the exam, you will receive your learner’s permit.
5. Learner's Permit
You are now in possession of the paper learner’s permit. This card is valid for two years. During this time you can take driving lessons with me and attend the mandatory VKU course. If you obtain your learner’s permit before the age of 20, you must complete a learning phase of twelve months. You must therefore have held the learner’s permit for at least one year in order to be admitted to the practical test. Exception: year of birth 2003 or older than 20 years. If you want to drive privately, you must be accompanied by a person who is at least 23 years old and has a valid driver’s license. You must have your learner’s permit with you for every learner’s trip and a learner’s badge (white “L” on a blue background) must be mounted on the rear of the vehicle so that it is clearly visible. Please note that freeways and roads with high traffic volumes may only be driven on when you are ready for the test.
6. Practical Training
In this step, you will learn the different aspects of the training in a practical way. With me you will get the best possible preparation for the driving test. Before you can take the driving test, you must have completed the mandatory VKU course.
7. Traffic Safety Course (VKU)
The compulsory VKU consists of 4 double lessons and can be attended alongside the practical driving lessons. You will learn to combine practical and theoretical skills. Therefore, it is recommended to attend the VKU course as early as possible so that important information can be applied during the practical driving training. Topics covered include road knowledge, vehicle safety, the environment, and sharpening the senses.
8. Practical Exam
The practical test lasts 45 minutes and is accompanied by an expert. It will be tested whether you can drive the vehicle safely and act independently in road traffic. If you pass the exam, you will receive your new ID card in credit card format within 2-3 working days by mail.
If you would like to take the test in another canton, you must submit an application to the Road Traffic Office. Click here to find out more about the exams in other cantons:
9. WAB Course - Continuing Education Course
Bravo! You have passed the driving test and are now in possession of the probationary driver’s license. The probationary period is three years. During this time you are not allowed to commit any offences. Remember that since 2014 new drivers are absolutely forbidden to drive under the influence of alcohol (legal limit of 0.1 per mille).
During the probationary period you must now attend the mandatory continuing education, which lasts about 8 hours.
10. Definitive Driver's Licence
You’re almost there! All you need to do is to submit the application for the definitive license to the Road Traffic Office. If there are no violations and you have attended the WAB courses, the definitive driver’s license will be sent to you by mail.