Cars & Driving
SwitzerlandCars & Driving
In 2026, getting your driving license in Switzerland will be a bit more involved and costlier. Essentially, you'll need to sit for the theory test, pass the driving test, undergo a first aid course and an eye test. On top of that, the road test will cost you a whopping CHF 150! here's some knowledge that will help you understand what to do and what to look out for while on Swiss roads as an expat, especially if you're from India.
Generally speaking, Switzerland is a well-organized country to drive in, albeit an expensive one, with many restrictions and regulations.
To be able to drive a car in Switzerland as of 2026, you must comply with the regulations. The minimum age to obtain a car driver’s licence is 18 years. To obtain the licence, you have to pass the theory test and the practical test as well as undergo a first aid training and an eye test. The costs for each of these steps add up. The theory test costs 36 CHF (approximately 40 USD, 3,300 INR), the practical test 150 CHF (approximately 166 USD, 13,800 INR) and the first aid training 100 CHF (approximately 111 USD, 9,200 INR).
In Switzerland, obtaining a driver's license is a very detailed and safety and competence-oriented process. Each phase has to be passed before progressing to the next one. The lengthy training process is necessary to ensure high road safety standards in Switzerland.
In Switzerland you'll need to be aware of several rules of the road. First of all driving on the right is compulsory. This is rigorously enforced. There are numerous speed limits in Switzerland which vary significantly from one type of road to another. As a general rule on highways, the speed limit is higher than on all other types of road, especially in towns. So be very aware of these limits, as speeding offences attract severe penalties.
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In Switzerland, punctuality, respect for rules and for all laws and regulations are deeply rooted in the culture. This is also the case in traffic. Thus, motor vehicles have to be registered with the cantonal road traffic office, and the registration fees may differ from one canton to another.
We love the country’s scenic roads and infrastructure, which make it easy to drive here, but there are plenty of annoying laws to contend with. A particular pet peeve of ours is being caught speeding — which is punished with an obscenely high penalty. The Swiss are obsessed with obeying speed limits, and with good reason: there are countless cameras along the roads to catch anyone not following the laws of the road.
Another common mistake made by drivers isn't having the required driver’s licence, motor vehicle license and a copy of motor insurance. All these documents must be present on the vehicle at all times in case of a police roadblock or in the event of an accident, so it's crucial that drivers are well prepared. The consequences of not having these documents in place may be severe.
it's essential that you have a motor vehicle folder in your car at all times. This should include your motor insurance documentation and road licence papers. This will help prevent you losing vital information in the event of an incident, and means you're always prepared in the unlikely event you need to produce your licence and insurance on the roadside.
SCHAFFHAUSEN – With the year 2026 on the horizon, a whole raft of new driving rules are set to come into play in Switzerland. Digital driving licences are among the regulations that are planned to be introduced. Drivers will then be able to store their licences digitally on their smartphones.
Sustainability is an important theme in the Swiss transport sector. In Switzerland, electromobility and the use of public transport are being promoted as part of the national policy for reducing pollution. This policy has been supported by a high level of investment in electrification of roads (through increased numbers of charging points) and in public transport.
Switzerland is one of the countries in Europe and the world where getting a driver’s license is the most expensive. In comparison, the process to get a driver’s license in Switzerland is more complicated than in the United States. it's similar to the one in Germany.
Prices on the roads of Switzerland are higher than in other EU countries. it's calculated on a monthly basis, per vehicle and comprises of the vehicle registration fee, motor insurance, road traffic taxes. There are many other factors, which are included in the prices to maintain a safe and excellent high standard infrastructure.
Indian expats planning to migrate to Switzerland may be keen to know about the social and cultural aspects of the country. Switzerland has a sizeable Indian community residing mainly in cities such as Zurich and Geneva. The Indian community here celebrates major Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi among other events.
Grocery stores selling Indian food and groceries are becoming available in many cities all over the world. So, this is no longer a challenge for Indians wanting to move to Switzerland and adopt the local way of life. However, Indians are usually required to acquire the local language of that canton or at least basic expressions in German or French to easily interact with the locals, which is important to know to assimilate the culture of the Swiss Country.
New arrivals are often advised to attend a beginner’s language course before arriving in Switzerland. Languages can be learned in various ways but when taking a course the student usually has to participate in learning both grammar and vocabulary in class, read materials given by the teacher and prepare presentations or short written summaries and work on assignments or do tasks at home and participate in the class discussions.
To be able to drive in Switzerland, you must take and pass the control test within 12 months of arriving in the country. The test is a practical test to ensure that the way you drive is in accordance with the Swiss Road Traffic Ordinance.
The annual cost for keeping a tiger, bear, lion or leopard can range from one to more than a thousand francs, depending on what is included in the premiums for the animal insurance and what taxes are levied. These high figures demonstrate the high standard of living in Switzerland and the associated costs for housing and infrastructure.
Yes, especially in cities because public transport in cities is cheap and efficient. Taking the train, the bus or the metro is convenient and they're available for almost all journeys in the countryside and the regions surrounding the cities.
Yes, you can drive with your IDP for the first 12 months of your stay. After this period, you have to exchange your IDP for a Swiss driver’s license.
We warn that drink-driving laws are enforced severely in Switzerland and that fines can be heavy and penalties severe. Remember that driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal throughout Europe. All vehicles must carry a warning triangle. there's a minimum equipment requirement for bicycles. For more information please visit the national tourist office website.
Yes, an identity card, a residential permit and an up-to-date insurance certificate are required.
Indian restaurants and grocery stores are easily accessible in urban areas. Many local Indian associations organize cultural events, which helps to ease the integration of culture into the daily lives of students and staff.
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Arin Vale