Licence exchange: behind the wheel again in Switzerland
Exchange your foreign licence and pass the Kontrollfahrt with confidence.
5.0 from 213 Google reviews · since 2005 · English and German
Prefer to call? 078 765 88 10
How the exchange works
Help with the paperwork
Alongside the driving sessions I support you with filling in the forms and with the contact to the Strassenverkehrsamt.
Practising the Swiss specifics
Trams, blue zones, priority from the right and motorway slip roads. We drive exactly what is different here from your home country.
Mock tests
We drive the Kontrollfahrt under real conditions, on the routes that come up in the test.
Why you should apply early
From the date you register in Switzerland, that is from your residence permit, you may drive on your foreign licence for twelve months. Anyone here before that counts as a tourist and may drive anyway. Within that time you should submit the application for the exchange.
Once the deadline has passed you may no longer drive. Only with the invitation letter for the Kontrollfahrt (control drive) may you get behind the wheel again, and that letter allows you to drive on your own. After you pass the Kontrollfahrt you receive your Swiss Führerausweis (driving licence). Whether an exchange is still possible after the deadline is decided by the Strassenverkehrsamt (road traffic office) case by case. Send me a message and we will look at your situation together.
The timing makes all the difference:
If you apply three months after registering, for example, you may keep driving for the remaining nine months and have that much time to prepare.
If you only apply after the twelve months have passed, you are under time pressure. Checking the documents often takes several weeks. Then comes the invitation to the Kontrollfahrt, frequently another month later. After the deadline you can postpone that appointment only once and by no more than 30 days. If you submitted within the twelve months, you can postpone several times, up to the thirteenth month.
Anyone who has not driven for a longer while will find that considerably harder. More on this in the guide: A foreign licence in Switzerland: the deadlines and why timing matters.
As of August 2026. The binding information comes from the Strassenverkehrs- und Schifffahrtsamt (road traffic office) of the canton of Bern.
How much time do you have before the Kontrollfahrt?
From the application onwards, reckon on around three and a half months.
The Strassenverkehrsamt (road traffic office) checks your documents, which takes about 4 weeks. After that the invitation to the Kontrollfahrt (control drive) arrives, and the appointment itself is 4 to 6 weeks later.
That is not waiting time, it is your preparation time. Most people need five to eight sessions, which fits comfortably into that window.
May you drive during that time?
If you submit within the twelve months: yes, without interruption. Your foreign licence is still valid. If you apply after six months, for example, you keep driving throughout.
If the deadline has already passed, you may drive again from the moment the invitation arrives. It works like a provisional Führerausweis (driving licence): you may drive on your own and prepare for the test with it. Only the roughly 4 weeks until the invitation leave you without a driving entitlement.
And if you have to postpone the appointment?
Here too, applying early pays off. As long as you are within the twelve months, you can postpone the appointment several times, up to the thirteenth month. If you only submit after the deadline has passed, you can postpone once, and by no more than 30 days.
As of August 2026. The binding information comes from the Strassenverkehrs- und Schifffahrtsamt (road traffic office) of the canton of Bern.
Prices and packages
Single session
CHF 200
1 session of 90 minutes
which works out at CHF 100 per 45-minute lesson
For anyone who only needs the finishing touches.
Swiss 6
CHF 570 for 6 lessons
3 sessions of 90 minutes
around CHF 95 per lesson
Mock tests included
For you if you have been driving regularly in Switzerland for more than six months.
Swiss 12
CHF 1090 for 12 lessons
6 sessions of 90 minutes
around CHF 91 per lesson
Mock tests included
For you if you have less than six months of experience on Swiss roads.
Theory block, 45 minutes, on Zoom
Swiss traffic rules, road signs and the local specifics such as trams, blue zones and priority from the right, comfortably from home. CHF 100, or CHF 75 if you add it directly after a driving session.
Good to know
- Sessions: We always drive for 90 minutes, which is two lessons of 45 minutes.
- How many sessions: Most people need 10 to 15 lessons, so 5 to 8 sessions.
- Mock tests: Included in every package. We drive the Kontrollfahrt under real conditions, on the routes that come up in the test.
- Paperwork: Support with filling in the forms and dealing with the Strassenverkehrsamt is included in every package.
- Without a package: A session of 90 minutes costs CHF 200.
- Vehicle: We drive in my driving school car, all-risk insurance included.
- Languages: Lessons in Swiss German, High German and English.
- No admin fee: You already hold a driving licence, so no admin fee applies.
- Cancellations: Free of charge up to 48 hours before the session. If you are ill or have an accident, we will find a solution.
- Validity: Sessions you have paid for do not expire and can be transferred to another person.
- Stopping early: If you stop, you get the remaining balance back. Sessions already used are charged at the single rate of CHF 200. We charge a one-time CHF 50 for processing.
- Payment: TWINT, invoice or card.
Success stories
Brazilian licence, exchanged in 2026
The Swiss driving test was the third I've taken. Although I already knew how to drive, I wasn't familiar with the Swiss traffic rules and road signs. Having Stefan as my instructor gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to drive safely and comfortably in Switzerland.
Iranian licence, exchanged in 2026
He quickly identifies your weaknesses, explains them in a practical and memorable way, and gives you the time and space to correct them through practice. Of course, there are no guarantees and success always depends on your own practice, but taking Stefan's driving courses truly maximizes your chances of passing the driving test.
I registered with Stefan in order to convert my driving licence into a Swiss one. He recommended and supplied materials to learn the Swiss traffic rules, which were also available in English, and was very calm, patient and thorough in explaining mistakes. He was also willing to answer any questions I had in between driving lessons. I passed my driving test with relative ease thanks to him.
Ugandan licence, exchanged in 2026
Your honest opinions, feedback and good communication with your clients show a high level of professionalism. I always felt understood and got clear explanations on and off the road during all the driving lessons.
Russian licence, exchanged
I needed a Swiss licence to replace my Russian one. Despite my extensive driving experience in Russia, I felt unsure in Bern because of the different road markings and the heavy pedestrian and cyclist traffic. Stefan very professionally identified all my weak points and explained what I needed to focus on. Everything was friendly and clear, and I passed the test.
Indian licence, exchanged in 2026
I got my Swiss licence today. I could not have asked for a better coach than Stefan. He was extremely supportive throughout my journey, always calm and positive even if I made mistakes or repeated them. He prepared me for all the possible situations that can occur during the control drive. The lessons were personalised and with each lesson my confidence grew. After every lesson there is a reflective log which was reviewed in the next one and the lesson was planned accordingly. Will 100% recommend.
Ukrainian licence, exchanged
I would like to thank Stefan so much for helping me pass my exam on 03.12.2024 with only one attempt. I went to every lesson with great pleasure. Stefan shared his experience, knowledge and skills and most importantly he was eager to teach me everything he knows. He never emphasized what I know, he saw my weaknesses and worked on them, and he taught me how to drive correctly and safely wherever I was, whether in Switzerland or in any other country. He could repeat the same rules with me 100 times if it was necessary, as for him the most important thing was my understanding and knowing the rules 100%. If you are currently looking for an experienced driving instructor I wholeheartedly recommend Stefan, you can be sure that he will give you the knowledge you need to pass your driving test.
Serbian licence, exchanged
I enjoyed every driving lesson I had with Stefan. Even though I have been a driver for 18 years, he taught me a lot, and every time we had a lesson he gave me awesome advice that helped me improve my driving skills, and all of that resulted in me passing my driving test today and successfully exchanging my foreign licence. Thank you, Stefan, for everything. It was a pleasure learning from you.
Colombian licence, exchanged
Definitely the best driving lessons I ever had. Stefan is an expert at understanding your needs and taking the time and effort to create a unique tailored programme that ensures the achievement of your driving goals. His extraordinary cultural background will make you feel like taking classes with a lifetime friend. 100% recommended!
Additional offers
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take a Kontrollfahrt?
That depends on the country that issued your licence and how long you have been living in Switzerland. Not everyone has to take a Kontrollfahrt. We sort that out together in a free 15-minute chat before you book a package.
By when do I have to start the exchange?
From the date you register in Switzerland, that is from your residence permit, you may drive on your foreign licence for twelve months, and you should submit the application within that time. If you apply early you keep driving throughout and have time to practise. Once the deadline has passed you may only drive again from the invitation for the Kontrollfahrt, and then on your own. Whether an exchange is still possible after the deadline is decided case by case by the Strassenverkehrsamt (road traffic office). As of August 2026.
How long does it take from application to Kontrollfahrt?
Reckon on around three and a half months from the application. The Strassenverkehrsamt (road traffic office) checks your documents, which takes about four weeks. Then the invitation to the Kontrollfahrt (control drive) arrives, and the appointment itself is four to six weeks later. That is not waiting time, it is your preparation time. As of August 2026.
May I drive while my application is being processed?
If you submit within the twelve months: yes, without interruption, your foreign licence is still valid. If the deadline has already passed, you may drive again from the moment the invitation arrives. It works like a provisional Führerausweis (driving licence) and allows you to drive on your own. Only the roughly four weeks until the invitation leave you without a driving entitlement. As of August 2026.
Can I postpone the Kontrollfahrt appointment?
As long as you submitted within the twelve months, you can postpone the appointment several times, up to the thirteenth month. If you only submit after the deadline has passed, you can postpone once, and by no more than 30 days. As of August 2026.
Which documents do I need?
As a rule your foreign driving licence, an identity document, proof of residence, an eye test and a passport photo. I confirm the list that applies to your case directly with the Strassenverkehrsamt of the canton of Bern. I support you with filling in the forms and with the contact to the Strassenverkehrsamt, and that is included in every package.
How many sessions do I need before the Kontrollfahrt?
Most people need 10 to 15 lessons, so 5 to 8 sessions of 90 minutes. If you have been driving regularly in Switzerland for a while, you often need fewer.
What happens if I do not pass the Kontrollfahrt?
What happens then is decided by the Strassenverkehrsamt (road traffic office). In many cases it means going through the regular Swiss training. That is exactly why we practise beforehand under real conditions, on the routes that come up in the test. As of August 2026.
Do you teach in English?
Yes. I teach in Swiss German, High German and English. You can switch at any time if an explanation in the other language helps you more.
My learning app supports you through the preparation for the Kontrollfahrt with a learning journal and theory help.
See the learning app →Talk first, then decide
Message me on WhatsApp, I will get back to you as soon as I am not driving. If you prefer to talk, call me. A short 15-minute conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Even if you decide against me, you will know more than you did before.
Usually a reply the same day