Exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Swiss licence
After a certain period of residence in Switzerland, the exchange becomes mandatory. The procedure varies depending on the licence category.
When does the exchange become mandatory
Anyone who has resided in Switzerland for more than twelve months must obtain a Swiss licence, unless they have spent more than three consecutive months abroad during that period (art. 42 para. 3bis let. a OAC).
How the exchange works
The holder of a valid foreign national licence obtains a Swiss licence of the same category after passing a control drive - not a full test - demonstrating that they know the traffic rules and can drive safely (art. 44 para. 1 OAC).
This control drive cannot be repeated: an unexcused absence or a failure results in a ban on using the foreign licence in Switzerland (art. 44 paras. 1bis to 1quater OAC).
For professional categories, an additional test on the applicable Swiss rules is also required (art. 44 para. 2 OAC).
Mopeds, light motorcycles and agricultural vehicles
If the foreign licence does not cover an equivalent for mopeds, light motorcycles or agricultural, forestry or works vehicles, a full driving test is required (art. 44 para. 3 OAC).
Licences issued in the EU or EFTA
The licence of an EU or EFTA member state is returned to the authority that issued it when the Swiss licence is handed over (art. 44 para. 4 OAC).
The procedure varies by country of origin
In practice, FEDRO distinguishes between certain countries based on administrative agreements: full exemption from the test for some, exemption from the control drive only for others, a full test for the rest. This country-by-country classification is a matter of administrative practice and does not appear in the text of the OAC itself. To find out which regime applies to your licence, contact the competent cantonal road traffic office.