Complete Guide to Exchanging Your Foreign Driving License in Switzerland

1. Introduction: Who This Guide Is For

This guide is specifically written for expats who hold driving licenses from countries outside the European Union and EFTA. If you're from countries like Iran, Russia, Ukraine, China, Kazakhstan, Argentina, India, Brazil, or similar nations, you'll need to take a practical driving test called the "course de contrôle" to exchange your license.

According to Canton Vaud's official regulations, Switzerland has three categories of license recognition:

• Full recognition (EU/EFTA countries): Simple administrative exchange, no exams required.
• Partial recognition (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.): Practical test usually waived unless you haven't been driving regularly.
• No recognition (Iran, Russia, China, Ukraine, etc.): Practical driving test (course de contrôle) required.

Source: List of countries with mutual recognition agreements (vd.ch)

The key statistics you need to know: 38% of candidates fail the course de contrôle, and you only get one attempt. Unlike a regular driving test, if you fail, you cannot simply rebook. You must start the entire Swiss licensing process from scratch as a new driver.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Before you begin the exchange process, you need to verify that your license is eligible. Here are the requirements:

Basic Requirements

• Your foreign license must be valid (not expired)
• You must be officially registered in Switzerland (have a residence permit)
• You must not have been banned from driving in Switzerland
• Your license must be the original document (not a copy or replacement issued after you left your country)

Country-Specific Requirements

The requirements depend heavily on where your license was issued. Switzerland maintains bilateral agreements with certain countries that determine the level of recognition:

Countries requiring the course de contrôle: Iran, Russia, Ukraine, China, India, Brazil, Turkey, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, and most other non-EU/non-agreement countries.

Countries with partial recognition: USA (most states), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, Morocco, Tunisia. These typically don't require a practical test unless you've been in Switzerland for over 5 years without regular driving.

Translation Requirements

If your license is in a non-Latin script (Farsi, Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, etc.), you'll need an official translation by a certified translator. This typically costs around CHF 100. Licenses in Latin alphabet languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, etc.) generally don't require translation.

3. The 12-Month Deadline

Understanding the deadline is crucial. Here's what you need to know:

When Does the Clock Start?

According to Swiss federal regulations, the 12-month period begins from your official registration date at the Contrôle des habitants (residents' registration office). This is typically the date on your residence permit, not necessarily when you physically arrived in Switzerland.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If your 12-month deadline expires before you complete the exchange:

• Your foreign license becomes invalid for driving in Switzerland
• You cannot simply exchange it anymore
• You must start the complete Swiss licensing process as a new driver
• This includes: learner's permit, first aid course, theory exam, traffic awareness course (cours de sensibilisation, 8 hours), and full practical exam
• The process takes several months and costs significantly more

Practical Reality in Canton Vaud

While the official rule is strict, in practice, Canton Vaud typically grants a minimum of 4 months from when you submit your application to complete the process. If you've passed the 12-month mark but have already started the process, you're usually fine. However, don't rely on this - start as early as possible.

4. Step-by-Step Exchange Process

Here's the complete process, from start to finish:

Step 1: Obtain Form 220

Form 220 is the official application form for license exchange. You can download it from the Canton Vaud website or pick it up in person at the SAN (Service des automobiles et de la navigation).

Step 2: Get Contrôle des Habitants Validation

Bring Form 220 to your local Contrôle des habitants. They will stamp and validate the form, confirming your Swiss residency and arrival date. This is required to prove you're within the 12-month window.

Step 3: Complete Eye Test

Visit any optician to have the eye test section of Form 220 completed. The optician fills in the results directly on your form. The test takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately CHF 20-30. You can find opticians near Lausanne using our optician locator.

Step 4: Get Passport Photo

Obtain a recent color passport photo (35x45mm) that meets Swiss requirements. Important: write your name on the back. The photo must be an original - not scanned, not printed from digital. Use a photo booth or professional photographer.

Step 5: Translate License (If Required)

If your license is in a non-Latin script, arrange for an official translation by a certified translator. This should be done before submitting your application as it's a required document for non-Latin script licenses.

Step 6: Submit Application to SAN

Submit your complete application package to the SAN at one of their offices in Lausanne, Nyon, Aigle, or Yverdon-les-Bains. You'll pay the CHF 50 application fee at this time. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Step 7: Book Practical Exam

Once your application is approved, you'll receive authorization to book your practical exam. Book through the SAN website or by phone. Tests are conducted at the Cossonay exam center. Wait times vary but are typically 2-4 weeks.

Step 8: Prepare and Take the Exam

This is the critical step. Prepare thoroughly - the exam fee is CHF 130, but the real cost of failure is much higher. Consider taking preparation lessons to learn Swiss-specific rules and techniques.

Step 9: Receive Your Swiss License

If you pass, your new Swiss driving license will be sent by mail within 2-3 business days. Your original foreign license will be returned to your home country's authorities.

5. The Course de Contrôle: What You Need to Know

The course de contrôle is the practical driving test for license exchange. Understanding what to expect can significantly improve your chances of passing.

What Is It?

The course de contrôle is a 30-45 minute practical driving test designed to verify that foreign license holders can drive safely according to Swiss standards. Unlike a full driving test for new drivers, it focuses on practical driving ability rather than technical maneuvers.

What's Tested?

• Urban driving: Navigating city streets, intersections, pedestrian areas
• Right-of-way understanding: Swiss priority rules, especially at unmarked intersections
• Highway driving: Merging, lane discipline, safe following distances
• Observation skills: Mirror checks, blind spot awareness
• Traffic sign compliance: Swiss-specific signs and markings
• General driving behavior: Smooth acceleration/braking, appropriate speed

What's NOT Typically Tested

Unlike the test for new drivers, the course de contrôle usually doesn't include parking maneuvers (parallel parking, reverse parking) or emergency stops. However, the examiner may request these if they have concerns about your driving ability.

Common Failure Reasons

Based on 20 years of experience preparing expats for this exam, here are the most common reasons candidates fail:

1. Insufficient observation: Not checking mirrors frequently enough, missing blind spot checks
2. Right-of-way errors: Misunderstanding priority rules — on secondary roads, right has priority; on main roads (yellow diamond ⬧), you have priority
3. Poor lane discipline: Driving in the wrong lane on highways, not staying right except to pass
4. Hesitation: Being overly cautious can cause traffic flow problems and fails
5. Speed management: Driving too slowly or too fast for conditions
6. Overconfidence: Many experienced drivers assume their years of experience are enough - they're often wrong

6. Complete Cost Breakdown

Understanding the costs upfront helps you budget appropriately. Here's a complete breakdown:

Mandatory Administrative Fees

Optional/Conditional Costs

Use our Cost Calculator to estimate your specific costs based on your situation.

7. What If You Fail?

This is the section nobody wants to read, but it's essential to understand the consequences of failure:

Immediate Consequences

• Your foreign license is invalidated for use in Switzerland
• You cannot legally drive in Switzerland
• You must start the full Swiss licensing process as a new driver

Additional Costs After Failure

Stricter Requirements as New Driver

If you fail and must restart as a new driver, you'll face:

• Stricter exam: Maneuvers (parking, emergency stop) are tested
• No solo driving: You can only drive accompanied by a licensed driver (23+ years old, 3+ years experience)
• L plates required: Must display learner plates on the vehicle
• Probationary license: 3-year probation with stricter rules

8. Expert Tips for Success

After helping over 500 expats pass the course de contrôle over 20 years, here are my proven tips for success:

Before the Exam

1. Don't assume your experience is enough: Many candidates fail because they think years of driving means they'll automatically pass. Swiss rules are different.
2. Learn Swiss priority rules: At unmarked intersections, priority goes to the right. This catches many foreigners off guard.
3. Take at least one preparation lesson: Even experienced drivers benefit from learning the exam routes and Swiss-specific expectations.
4. Practice highway driving: Lane discipline on Swiss highways is strictly enforced. Stay right except when passing.
5. Review Swiss road signs: Some signs are different from other countries.

During the Exam

1. Exaggerate your mirror checks: Make it obvious to the examiner that you're checking mirrors. Turn your head slightly so they can see.
2. Don't be overly cautious: Hesitation causes traffic problems and can fail you just as much as aggression.
3. Follow instructions precisely: If the examiner says "next left," start preparing immediately.
4. Maintain appropriate speed: Going too slowly is as bad as going too fast.
5. Stay calm: The examiner isn't trying to trick you. Drive as you would normally, following Swiss rules.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rolling through stop signs (full stop required)
• Not yielding to pedestrians at crossings
• Cutting corners when turning left
• Driving in the left lane on the highway when not passing
• Not using indicators, or using them too late
• Insufficient following distance

Additional Resources

Official Sources

• Canton Vaud: Exchange Foreign License (Official)
• Form 220 Download (PDF)
• Official Fee Schedule (Règlement 741.15.1)

Tools on This Site

• Deadline Checker - Calculate your exact deadline and requirements
• Cost Calculator - Estimate your total costs
• Find an Optician - Locate opticians near Lausanne for your eye test
• Frequently Asked Questions - Quick answers to common questions