Can anyone assist with info regarding getting a driver's license from scratch here in Geneva? I am a US Citizen with a B permit and my US driver's license has been expired since 2010. So I need to go through the test etc here. Who do I need to call, what do I need to do and are there any places that do classes, etc in English? How long does it take?
Any info really appreciated!!
Warmly
Mica
Can anyone assist with info regarding getting a driver's license from scratch here in Geneva? I am a US Citizen with a B permit and my US driver's license has been expired since 2010. So I need to go through the test etc here. Who do I need to call, what do I need to do and are there any places that do classes, etc in English? How long does it take?
Any info really appreciated!!
Warmly
Mica
If you're not under time pressure, wouldn't it make more sense to renew your US license then simply exchange it? You can maybe do it via the consulate. I heard it said that the driver's license exam here is quite difficult; also the driving hours don't come cheap and there are other mandatory prevention classes to take - I expect the whole thing will add up to nearly 2000 CHF...
If you really want go this way I suggest you contact Ecole Auto de Servette, it's one of the most well regarded driving schools here and they might have some instructors who speak English.
If you're not under time pressure, wouldn't it make more sense to renew your US license then simply exchange it? You can maybe do it via the consulate. I heard it said that the driver's license exam here is quite difficult; also the driving hours don't come cheap and there are other mandatory prevention classes to take - I expect the whole thing will add up to nearly 2000 CHF...
If you really want go this way I suggest you contact Ecole Auto de Servette, it's one of the most well regarded driving schools here and they might have some instructors who speak English.
Mica... the rule in Switzerland is that you must exchange your license within 12 months of arrival.
To apply, you need the application form from this site: http://ge.ch/vehicules/permis-de-conduire-et-permis-deleve/echange-dun-permis-de-conduire-etranger along with an exam from an optician - you need to take the form with you when you do the exam, so they can stamp it officially. Form must also be stamped by the canton to verify date of arrival. To help speed up the process, you may also request a letter from your local Ministry of Transportation from the US (or state agency responsible for licensing) to verify when you were originally granted a license and what type of license it was. Contacting the drivers' school as suggested above is also a good idea.
Good luck!
Mica... the rule in Switzerland is that you must exchange your license within 12 months of arrival.
To apply, you need the application form from this site: http://ge.ch/vehicules/permis-de-conduire-et-permis-deleve/echange-dun-permis-de-conduire-etranger along with an exam from an optician - you need to take the form with you when you do the exam, so they can stamp it officially. Form must also be stamped by the canton to verify date of arrival. To help speed up the process, you may also request a letter from your local Ministry of Transportation from the US (or state agency responsible for licensing) to verify when you were originally granted a license and what type of license it was. Contacting the drivers' school as suggested above is also a good idea.
Good luck!
Thanks guys for your input. The issue is: I am a US citizen but haven't been back to the US in about 6 years and my US license expired in 2010. I pay Federal taxes but am not registered in any State, so if I go back, there is no DMV that will give me a license unless I can show a registered address and proof of residency. There are no such things as a Federal lisence, so am trying to sort what to do. Appreciate your input. Thanks again.
Thanks guys for your input. The issue is: I am a US citizen but haven't been back to the US in about 6 years and my US license expired in 2010. I pay Federal taxes but am not registered in any State, so if I go back, there is no DMV that will give me a license unless I can show a registered address and proof of residency. There are no such things as a Federal lisence, so am trying to sort what to do. Appreciate your input. Thanks again.
Hi Mica,
Check out the link below from the ASA, it will tell you exactly what you need to do, depending on your age and what type of driving license you want:
You can expect that you will have to take a vision test, a first aid course, a certain number of hours of driving courses, and a theoretical and practical test.
The link below will have the Geneva-specific forms you'll need to fill out:
http://ge.ch/vehicules/permis-de-conduire-et-permis-deleve
Hope that helps!
Hi Mica,
Check out the link below from the ASA, it will tell you exactly what you need to do, depending on your age and what type of driving license you want:
You can expect that you will have to take a vision test, a first aid course, a certain number of hours of driving courses, and a theoretical and practical test.
The link below will have the Geneva-specific forms you'll need to fill out:
http://ge.ch/vehicules/permis-de-conduire-et-permis-deleve
Hope that helps!
