Driving in Switzerland with a foreign licence
A valid foreign licence allows driving in Switzerland under certain conditions, before an exchange for a Swiss licence becomes mandatory.
Who may drive with a foreign licence
A person arriving from abroad may drive in Switzerland if they hold (art. 42 OAC):
- a valid foreign national licence;
- a valid international driving permit, accompanied by the corresponding national licence;
- or a valid foreign learner licence.
Only the categories entered explicitly, clearly and in Latin characters on the licence are recognised.
Minimum age
A foreign licence may only be used in Switzerland by a person who has reached the Swiss minimum age required for the category concerned. For unaccompanied driving of a car (category B), the minimum age is 18 (art. 43 OAC). Justified exemptions remain possible, granted by FEDRO.
Mopeds and agricultural vehicles
A foreign licence valid for mopeds entitles its holder to drive an equivalent vehicle in Switzerland. If the country of origin requires no licence for mopeds or for agricultural, forestry or works vehicles, their drivers are likewise exempted in Switzerland, provided they can present photo identification (art. 42 OAC).
Until when does this licence remain valid in Switzerland
After a certain period of residence in Switzerland, the foreign licence must be exchanged for a Swiss licence. See exchanging a foreign licence for this time limit and the procedure.
Read next
- Exchanging a foreign licence for a Swiss licence
- International driving permit
- Car licence in Switzerland