Exchanging a foreign licence in Bern

What this article covers

This article describes the process of the exchange. When you have to apply, and why the timing matters so much, is covered in the article A foreign licence in Switzerland: the deadlines.

The documents

• Your foreign licence in the original
• A copy of your ID or passport and of your residence permit
• A recent passport photo
• An eye test, taken at an optometrist or an ophthalmology practice
• The completed cantonal application form

The road traffic office confirms which documents apply in your case. I deliberately do not confirm that list myself, because it varies by country of origin.

The application

You submit it to the road traffic office of your canton of residence, in Bern the cantonal Strassenverkehrs- und Schifffahrtsamt. Depending on the country you either hand in your foreign licence or present it. The office then checks whether your licence is recognised and whether a Kontrollfahrt (control drive) is required.

Processing time

Expect several weeks, and longer when the office is busy. During that time nothing happens for you except waiting. That is exactly why applying early pays off.

What happens after the invitation

If a Kontrollfahrt is required you receive an invitation with a date, usually about a month in advance. As a rule you may postpone that appointment only once and by no more than 30 days. The drive lasts around an hour and you have one attempt. How to prepare is covered in the article The Kontrollfahrt in Bern.

If the result is positive, your Swiss licence arrives by post. If it is negative, you start the ordinary route with a learner permit and a test.

Preparing with me

One or two sessions are often enough. We look at the Swiss specifics: priority on roundabouts, lane selection, 30 km/h zones, bus lanes, observation and shoulder checks. Theory knowledge can also be refreshed over Zoom if you wish. All packages and prices are on the page Licence exchange in Bern.