The road to a driver’s license

2. Learner’s permit application

Fill out a learner’s permit application

Download the learner’s permit for your canton (see link below) and complete it.

Passport photo

You will need a current passport photo, which will also be used for your final driver’s license.

Eye test

Bring the printed form with you to the eye test at a Swiss optician’s store or a Swiss doctor’s surgery. The specialist will confirm the result directly on the learner’s permit with a date, signature and stamp. The eye test is valid for 2 years.

Emergency aid card

Submit your emergency assistance card together with your application for a learner’s permit.

Confirm identity

If you have never applied for a learner’s permit for a different category before, you must also confirm your identity.
You can do this at the residents’ registration office in your municipality of residence or at a road traffic office. In both cases, Swiss nationals need an ID or passport, foreign nationals need their foreigner’s identity card. You should also bring your completed learner’s permit and your emergency aid card. The identity check costs CHF 20 at both locations.

Here you will find the learner’s permit application, further information and the addresses of all road traffic offices in the canton of Zurich:

Note: From January 1, 2021, it will be possible to apply for a learner’s permit at the age of 17. However, drivers under the age of 20 must practice with the learner’s permit for at least one year before they can register for the practical test.

3. Theory test

After submitting your learner driver application, you can take the theory test. Online platforms, apps or courses can help you prepare.

The theory test can now be taken WITHOUT pre-registration at the following locations: Zurich-Albisgütli Road Traffic Office and Winterthur Road Traffic Office.

Contents of the test: traffic rules, signs and general road safety.

Minimum age: 17 years

4. Learner’s permit

After passing the theory test, the learner’s license is issued.

With the learner’s permit, you can practice independently (with an accompanying person). You also need it to take driving lessons at a driving school.

The learner’s permit is valid for two years.

Requirements for accompanying person and vehicle on learning journeys

• The accompanying person must be at least 23 years old and have held a category B driver’s license for three years, which is no longer on probation.
• The vehicle must be marked with an L plate (blue plate with a white “L”). The plate must be clearly visible at the rear of the vehicle.
• The vehicle must meet the legal requirements and be roadworthy.
• Important: The handbrake must be accessible from the passenger seat. Electric hand brakes are permitted as long as they cannot be overridden by the accelerator.

Here you can find the information sheet with the requirements for learner and test vehicles (Canton of Zurich).

6. Road safety lessons (VKU)

Traffic instruction is compulsory and must be completed during the learning phase.

Duration
8 lessons

Contents
Sharpen traffic awareness, hazard recognition, environmentally conscious and defensive driving

Prerequisite
learner’s permit

7. Practical driving test

Important: You can only register for the practical driving test once you have completed the VKU. The waiting time for a test date can be up to three months, depending on the road traffic office.

Either your driving instructor registers you for the test and you can take the test in the driving school car, or you can register online yourself and take the test in a private vehicle. Make sure you check beforehand whether the vehicle meets the requirements! Otherwise you will not be able to take the test, but you will still have to pay the costs.

Here you can find the information sheet with the requirements for learner and test vehicles (Canton of Zurich):

Contents of the practical driving test

• Driving in traffic (30 km/h zone, urban, extra-urban, highway)
• Vehicle handling (usually two maneuvers)

Duration
45 minutes

Result
You will find out whether you have passed immediately after the test. If you pass, you will receive a probationary driving license. If you fail, the test can be repeated.

The examination language is German.

8. Probationary driving license

After passing the practical test, you will receive a probationary driving license. The probationary period is three years. If a moderately serious or serious offense is committed during this time that leads to the withdrawal of your driving license, the probationary period is extended by one year. The probationary driving license expires if another moderate or serious offence is committed.

9. WAB course (further training course)

You are obliged to complete the WAB course within the first year of your probationary period.

Duration
7 hours / 1 day

Objective
Improve driving skills and road safety

10. Definitive driving license

Note: This page provides an overview of the most important information. I make every effort to update the content regularly, but cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. For detailed and up-to-date information, please visit the official website of the Canton of Zurich.