Switzerland
Even though Switzerland is not a memberstate of the European union, nor a member of the European Economic Area, Switzerland has generally adopted much of the harmonised EU legislation with regard to drivers' licences. Switzerland has, since the 2000s used the EU system of vehicle categories and issued EU-style credit-card licences.
To apply for a car driver's licence (category B), the applicant must be 18 years old. They must first attend first aid courses and pass have their view checked by an eye-doctor. Passing a theoretical exam is required to receive a learner's permit valid for two years. This allows them to drive a car only if accompanied by an adult 23 or older who has had his licence for at least 3 years. Before passing the practical exam, the candidate must attend 10 hours of theoretical lessons on "sensibilisation to road traffic". Practical driving lessons are not legally required, but are considered a de facto prerequisite for passing the practical exam with a government expert. Upon succeeding the practical exam a probationary driver's licence is issued for 3 years. To obtain the full, unlimited, driver's licence after these 3 years, the candidate must not commit a serious traffic infraction and attend 2 days of further driving training.
For motorcycles and heavier vehicles, the regulations are different, and some agrarian vehicles can be driven without a licence. As of 2011, a 45-minute driving lesson costs around 90 CHF, while the various fees and theoretical instruction costs associated with getting a car driver's licence can amount to up to CHF 600, without counting the costs for the two days of further training.
The theoretical exam must be taken in either German, French or Italian. In some cantons it is possible to take it in English.
Read more about this topic: European Driving Licence
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