How much does a driving licence cost in Switzerland?
There is no single national price or official rate per lesson. The unofficial estimate below gives an order of magnitude for category B based on the number of lessons needed.
An estimate, not an official rate
Unlike cantonal fees (set by decree) or legal time limits, the price of driving lessons is not regulated by any law: each driving school sets its own hourly rate, and the law does not require a minimum number of lessons for category B (see is there a minimum number of lessons). The table below is an indicative estimate, not an official amount: the actual cost depends on the canton, the driving school and each learner's pace of progress.
Estimate for 3 profiles (category B)
| Expense item | Case 1: few or no lessons | Case 2: average profile | Case 3: many lessons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profile | Already experienced (converting a foreign licence, or a lot of privately accompanied driving) | Standard beginner combining driving school and private practice | Complete beginner, training entirely at a driving school |
| Driving school hours | 5 to 10 h | 20 to 30 h | 40 to 50 h |
| Practical lessons (~95 CHF/h, insurance included) | ~575 to 1'050 CHF | ~2'000 to 2'950 CHF | ~3'900 to 4'850 CHF |
| Mandatory fixed costs (first aid course, theory, fees, road safety course, exams, further training course) | ~1'000 CHF | ~1'000 CHF | ~1'000 CHF |
| Total estimate | 1'500 to 2'000 CHF | 3'000 to 3'950 CHF | 4'900 to 5'850 CHF and more |
What the fixed costs include
These roughly 1'000 CHF in base costs cover the items required by law regardless of the number of lessons taken: the first aid course, the theory test, the 8-hour road safety course, cantonal fees (learner licence application, exams) and, after obtaining the probationary licence, the further training course (2-phase course). These amounts also vary from canton to canton.
To plan your budget, compare driving schools and ask for prices for the services you need.