Driving License on Probation

 

Probationary period

 

The probationary period ends after three years of passing the exam if no traffic violations were committed that lead to the withdrawal of your driver’s licence. In the latter case, the probationary period is extended. 

 

 

Receiving the permanent driver's licence

 

After the visit to the mandatory advanced training session, you will be issued your permanent driver’s licence at the end of the probationary period. You will not have to complete another examination.

 

 

Duration of the advanced training session

 

The advanced training session takes place over the course of one day for 7 hours. You must attend the training session within 12 months of receiving your permanent licence and are free to attend the session at your preferred course provider. 

 

 

Content of the training session

 

The training session covers practical exercises and driving experiences under simulated conditions. One of the core topics is avoiding accidents by timely and consistent braking in every situation. Another important topic is energy-efficient driving. 

 

 

Advanced training costs

 

The overall price of the training come up to 410 CHF on a weekday or 440 CHF on Saturdays.

 

 

Consquences of not attending the advanced training

 

From 2020 onwards, the advanced training session must be completed within the first year of the probationary period. If you did not attend the course within the time frame and are still driving, you will be fined up to 300 CHF. 

  

 

Withdrawal of the driving licence during probation period

 

If the holder of a driver’s licence on probation violates traffic law and consequently looses the licence, they will be subject to a one-year extension of the probationary period with a complementary temporary licence. If the period of withdrawal ends after the probation period, you will receive a new licence on probation, with the trial period ending a year from the date of issue. If the driver’s licence holder commits a second violation that leads to the withdrawal of the licence, the licence expires. This is also the case if the licence is already permanent and the holder was unaware of the second violation. This regulation affects licence holders of all categories and subcategories. The same applies to special categories, if the licence holder cannot guarantee that there will be no future violations using a vehicle of a special category. Otherwise, the admission board will issue a licence of a special category.

 

 

Consequences of a new cancellation of the licence

 

After the withdrawal of a licence in violation of traffic laws, you must wait at least a year from the date of violation before you can reapply for a learner’s permit. Additionally, a traffic-psychological assessment of your person must be submitted to confirm your mental suitability for driving. After passing the driving exam, you will receive a new driver’s licence on probation.