Licence exchange in Bern: pass the Kontrollfahrt with confidence
Preparation for the Kontrollfahrt (the Swiss control drive): sessions of 90 minutes from Wankdorf station, mock tests on the real routes and support with the paperwork. Lessons in Swiss German, High German and English.
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.
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 may not drive until the invitation letter arrives.
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. As a rule you can postpone that appointment only once and by no more than 30 days. In the best case you are left with around three months to prepare, and you are not allowed to drive during that time.
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.
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 the letter states explicitly whether alone or accompanied. After you pass the Kontrollfahrt you receive your Swiss 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.
As of August 2026. The binding information comes from the Strassenverkehrs- und Schifffahrtsamt 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.
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 may keep driving until the Kontrollfahrt; if you apply late you are under time pressure and may not drive while you wait. Once the deadline has passed you may not drive until the invitation for the Kontrollfahrt arrives; whether an exchange is still possible is decided case by case. Details in the section "Why you should apply early" on this page.
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?
Your foreign licence is then withdrawn and you go through the regular Swiss training with a learner permit, the traffic theory course and a practical test. That is exactly why we practise beforehand under real conditions, on the routes that come up in the test.
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