Ok i searched the forum and found the relevant information is there but i wanted to share my experience in case it helps others:
So you have to change your driving license in one year of coming to Switzerland otherwise you have to take the Swiss driving test.
First go to this web page
http://www.ge.ch/san/permis-de-conduire-et-permis-d-eleve/welcome.asp?rubrique=echange-d-un-permis-de-conduire-etranger&titre=Echange_d__un_permis_de_conduire_etranger
and download the form. Get the eye test (cost 20CHF) in any optician shop (10 minutes and you are done)
After that you need to go to Service des automobiles (86, route de Veyrier bus 11 and 21 stop Val-d'Arve)
Take with you:
- the form that is on the link
- your driving license (they will keep it and send it back)
- your passport (i didn't need it but it never hurts to have it with you) and working permit.
- 1 photo (they have photo booths there in case you forget)
One important thing that cost me a whole day. My driving license is in Greek and because of the different alphabet they didn't accept it and wanted me to get it translated. So if you have your driving license in Russian or some other language that doesn't use the Latin alphabet get it translated.
Tip: If you don't speak French (i don't) they will feel sorry for you and help you a bit more. From my (minor) understanding of the conversation they wanted me to go to the Greek consulate to get it translated. When i kept looking them with a blank stare (what the **** are you talking about?!) they gave me a list of translators and i had to go to Coppet to get it translated (80CHF and 20 minutes - thanks for taking me there you know who you are!)
So i went back today and the woman remembered me. Gave her the paperwork while she did a whole lot of typing and 20 minutes and 150CHF later i had my license!
Its a bit strange though.. I payed 150CHF and got a car license only. I asked for a motorbike license as well even though i didn't have it on my original license (don't say dah.... read on..) while a friend managed to get motorbike license without having it on his original one and only paid 100CHF..
Anyway i got what i wanted so im happy. I hope this helps someone else :)
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How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Jun 4, 2009 @ 16:58
The text you are quoting:
Ok i searched the forum and found the relevant information is there but i wanted to share my experience in case it helps others:
So you have to change your driving license in one year of coming to Switzerland otherwise you have to take the Swiss driving test.
First go to this web page
http://www.ge.ch/san/permis-de-conduire-et-permis-d-eleve/welcome.asp?rubrique=echange-d-un-permis-de-conduire-etranger&titre=Echange_d__un_permis_de_conduire_etranger
and download the form. Get the eye test (cost 20CHF) in any optician shop (10 minutes and you are done)
After that you need to go to Service des automobiles (86, route de Veyrier bus 11 and 21 stop Val-d'Arve)
Take with you:
- the form that is on the link
- your driving license (they will keep it and send it back)
- your passport (i didn't need it but it never hurts to have it with you) and working permit.
- 1 photo (they have photo booths there in case you forget)
One important thing that cost me a whole day. My driving license is in Greek and because of the different alphabet they didn't accept it and wanted me to get it translated. So if you have your driving license in Russian or some other language that doesn't use the Latin alphabet get it translated.
Tip: If you don't speak French (i don't) they will feel sorry for you and help you a bit more. From my (minor) understanding of the conversation they wanted me to go to the Greek consulate to get it translated. When i kept looking them with a blank stare (what the **** are you talking about?!) they gave me a list of translators and i had to go to Coppet to get it translated (80CHF and 20 minutes - thanks for taking me there you know who you are!)
So i went back today and the woman remembered me. Gave her the paperwork while she did a whole lot of typing and 20 minutes and 150CHF later i had my license!
Its a bit strange though.. I payed 150CHF and got a car license only. I asked for a motorbike license as well even though i didn't have it on my original license (don't say dah.... read on..) while a friend managed to get motorbike license without having it on his original one and only paid 100CHF..
Anyway i got what i wanted so im happy. I hope this helps someone else :)
Maria_Jun 4, 2009 @ 16:58
So you have to change your driving license in one year of coming to Switzerland otherwise you have to take the Swiss driving test.
First go to this web page
http://www.ge.ch/san/permis-de-conduire-et-permis-d-eleve/welcome.asp?rubrique=echange-d-un-permis-de-conduire-etranger&titre=Echange_d__un_permis_de_conduire_etranger
and download the form. Get the eye test (cost 20CHF) in any optician shop (10 minutes and you are done)
After that you need to go to Service des automobiles (86, route de Veyrier bus 11 and 21 stop Val-d'Arve)
Take with you:
- the form that is on the link
- your driving license (they will keep it and send it back)
- your passport (i didn't need it but it never hurts to have it with you) and working permit.
- 1 photo (they have photo booths there in case you forget)
One important thing that cost me a whole day. My driving license is in Greek and because of the different alphabet they didn't accept it and wanted me to get it translated. So if you have your driving license in Russian or some other language that doesn't use the Latin alphabet get it translated.
Tip: If you don't speak French (i don't) they will feel sorry for you and help you a bit more. From my (minor) understanding of the conversation they wanted me to go to the Greek consulate to get it translated. When i kept looking them with a blank stare (what the **** are you talking about?!) they gave me a list of translators and i had to go to Coppet to get it translated (80CHF and 20 minutes - thanks for taking me there you know who you are!)
So i went back today and the woman remembered me. Gave her the paperwork while she did a whole lot of typing and 20 minutes and 150CHF later i had my license!
Its a bit strange though.. I payed 150CHF and got a car license only. I asked for a motorbike license as well even though i didn't have it on my original license (don't say dah.... read on..) while a friend managed to get motorbike license without having it on his original one and only paid 100CHF..
Anyway i got what i wanted so im happy. I hope this helps someone else :)
Maria_Jun 4, 2009 @ 16:58
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 1
Jun 7, 2009 @ 22:06
thank you for that post, It's very useful! :)
The text you are quoting:
thank you for that post, It's very useful! :)
Onis, Jun 7, 2009 @ 22:06
Onis, Jun 7, 2009 @ 22:06
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 2
Oct 21, 2009 @ 09:28
Thanks for the great post, Maria.
Question for folks out there: I just
arrived in Geneva, and my US drivers license is set to expire in April. Will I be able to
exchange that for a Swiss one? If so, will the Swiss one have the same expiration date
or will it be good for a normal term? Out of curiosity, what is a normal term?
Thanks!
Robb
Question for folks out there: I just
arrived in Geneva, and my US drivers license is set to expire in April. Will I be able to
exchange that for a Swiss one? If so, will the Swiss one have the same expiration date
or will it be good for a normal term? Out of curiosity, what is a normal term?
Thanks!
Robb
The text you are quoting:
Thanks for the great post, Maria.
Question for folks out there: I just
arrived in Geneva, and my US drivers license is set to expire in April. Will I be able to
exchange that for a Swiss one? If so, will the Swiss one have the same expiration date
or will it be good for a normal term? Out of curiosity, what is a normal term?
Thanks!
Robb
Robb N, Oct 21, 2009 @ 09:28
Question for folks out there: I just
arrived in Geneva, and my US drivers license is set to expire in April. Will I be able to
exchange that for a Swiss one? If so, will the Swiss one have the same expiration date
or will it be good for a normal term? Out of curiosity, what is a normal term?
Thanks!
Robb
Robb N, Oct 21, 2009 @ 09:28
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 3
Oct 21, 2009 @ 11:12
Wow - nice! Thanks for the reply.
The text you are quoting:
Wow - nice! Thanks for the reply.
Robb N, Oct 21, 2009 @ 11:12
Robb N, Oct 21, 2009 @ 11:12
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 4
Oct 23, 2009 @ 01:21
For canton Vaud:
the application form needs a signature and stamp from the commune (in addition to the signature and stamp from the optometrist for the eye test) - get it before going to the SAN office. Cost of license: 40 CHF.
Btw, Visilab was at the Expat Fair, and gave out a free eye-test coupon for the drivers-license application.
@Robb: get your Swiss license while your US one is still valid.
the application form needs a signature and stamp from the commune (in addition to the signature and stamp from the optometrist for the eye test) - get it before going to the SAN office. Cost of license: 40 CHF.
Btw, Visilab was at the Expat Fair, and gave out a free eye-test coupon for the drivers-license application.
@Robb: get your Swiss license while your US one is still valid.
The text you are quoting:
For canton Vaud:
the application form needs a signature and stamp from the commune (in addition to the signature and stamp from the optometrist for the eye test) - get it before going to the SAN office. Cost of license: 40 CHF.
Btw, Visilab was at the Expat Fair, and gave out a free eye-test coupon for the drivers-license application.
@Robb: get your Swiss license while your US one is still valid.
Silvana W, Oct 23, 2009 @ 01:21
the application form needs a signature and stamp from the commune (in addition to the signature and stamp from the optometrist for the eye test) - get it before going to the SAN office. Cost of license: 40 CHF.
Btw, Visilab was at the Expat Fair, and gave out a free eye-test coupon for the drivers-license application.
@Robb: get your Swiss license while your US one is still valid.
Silvana W, Oct 23, 2009 @ 01:21
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 5
Oct 23, 2009 @ 01:21
For canton Vaud:
the application form needs a signature and stamp from the commune (in addition to the signature and stamp from the optometrist for the eye test) - get it before going to the SAN office. Cost of license: 40 CHF.
Btw, Visilab was at the Expat Fair, and gave out a free eye-test coupon for the drivers-license application.
@Robb: get your Swiss license while your US one is still valid.
the application form needs a signature and stamp from the commune (in addition to the signature and stamp from the optometrist for the eye test) - get it before going to the SAN office. Cost of license: 40 CHF.
Btw, Visilab was at the Expat Fair, and gave out a free eye-test coupon for the drivers-license application.
@Robb: get your Swiss license while your US one is still valid.
The text you are quoting:
For canton Vaud:
the application form needs a signature and stamp from the commune (in addition to the signature and stamp from the optometrist for the eye test) - get it before going to the SAN office. Cost of license: 40 CHF.
Btw, Visilab was at the Expat Fair, and gave out a free eye-test coupon for the drivers-license application.
@Robb: get your Swiss license while your US one is still valid.
Silvana W, Oct 23, 2009 @ 01:21
the application form needs a signature and stamp from the commune (in addition to the signature and stamp from the optometrist for the eye test) - get it before going to the SAN office. Cost of license: 40 CHF.
Btw, Visilab was at the Expat Fair, and gave out a free eye-test coupon for the drivers-license application.
@Robb: get your Swiss license while your US one is still valid.
Silvana W, Oct 23, 2009 @ 01:21
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 6
Oct 23, 2009 @ 13:16
Thank for the guide, it's very helpful! I had heard different stories from different people about the real process. But doesn't it also depend on the country your license is from? Aren't licenses from certain countries required to take a test?
The text you are quoting:
Thank for the guide, it's very helpful! I had heard different stories from different people about the real process. But doesn't it also depend on the country your license is from? Aren't licenses from certain countries required to take a test?
Julia S, Oct 23, 2009 @ 13:16
Julia S, Oct 23, 2009 @ 13:16
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 7
Oct 23, 2009 @ 13:51
Probably but i dont know which countries.
Im EU so i didnt need to take the test. Good thing too because i would never pass!
Im EU so i didnt need to take the test. Good thing too because i would never pass!
The text you are quoting:
Probably but i dont know which countries.
Im EU so i didnt need to take the test. Good thing too because i would never pass!
Maria_, Oct 23, 2009 @ 13:51
Im EU so i didnt need to take the test. Good thing too because i would never pass!
Maria_, Oct 23, 2009 @ 13:51
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 8
Oct 24, 2009 @ 14:57
Maria,
I would not grant you a driving license...too dangerous, Geneva streets won't be safe anymore ^^
I would not grant you a driving license...too dangerous, Geneva streets won't be safe anymore ^^
The text you are quoting:
Maria,
I would not grant you a driving license...too dangerous, Geneva streets won't be safe anymore ^^
Alex-, Oct 24, 2009 @ 14:57
I would not grant you a driving license...too dangerous, Geneva streets won't be safe anymore ^^
Alex-, Oct 24, 2009 @ 14:57
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 9
Oct 24, 2009 @ 19:29
Its a good thing then that my car came with a driver :P
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 10
Oct 25, 2009 @ 11:26
Thanks for the great post, Maria.
Question for folks out there: I just arrived in Geneva, and my US drivers license is set to expire in April. Will I be able to exchange that for a Swiss one? If so, will the Swiss one have the same expiration date or will it be good for a normal term? Out of curiosity, what is a normal term?
Thanks!
Robb
Oct 21, 09 09:28
Question for folks out there: I just arrived in Geneva, and my US drivers license is set to expire in April. Will I be able to exchange that for a Swiss one? If so, will the Swiss one have the same expiration date or will it be good for a normal term? Out of curiosity, what is a normal term?
Thanks!
Robb
Oct 21, 09 09:28
Hello,
I exchanged my US driver license which was about to expire in October to the Swiss one in June following the same path as Maria documented. But I have heard that depending on the date when your US license was issued you might need to pass some test. My recollection is that your US driver license was issued *before* Dec.1 2005 then you do not need a test. I didn't.
My Swiss license does not have any expiration date.
I exchanged my US driver license which was about to expire in October to the Swiss one in June following the same path as Maria documented. But I have heard that depending on the date when your US license was issued you might need to pass some test. My recollection is that your US driver license was issued *before* Dec.1 2005 then you do not need a test. I didn't.
My Swiss license does not have any expiration date.
The text you are quoting:
Hello,
I exchanged my US driver license which was about to expire in October to the Swiss one in June following the same path as Maria documented. But I have heard that depending on the date when your US license was issued you might need to pass some test. My recollection is that your US driver license was issued *before* Dec.1 2005 then you do not need a test. I didn't.
My Swiss license does not have any expiration date.
elis, Oct 25, 2009 @ 11:26
I exchanged my US driver license which was about to expire in October to the Swiss one in June following the same path as Maria documented. But I have heard that depending on the date when your US license was issued you might need to pass some test. My recollection is that your US driver license was issued *before* Dec.1 2005 then you do not need a test. I didn't.
My Swiss license does not have any expiration date.
elis, Oct 25, 2009 @ 11:26
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 11
Oct 25, 2009 @ 12:04
Thanks for the great post, Maria.
Question for folks out there: I just
arrived in Geneva, and my US drivers license is set to expire in April. Will I be able to
exchange that for a Swiss one? If so, will the Swiss one have the same expiration date
or will it be good for a normal term? Out of curiosity, what is a normal term?
Thanks!
Robb
Robb N, Oct 21, 09 09:28
I had a Canadian driver licence type G2- which is not a full licence and didn't allow me to drive on highways on my own. It was due to expire 2 weeks before I went to change it.
I got a full Swiss driving licence instead, which means if I go back to Canada, I should be able to exchange it for a full G licence:-)
Question for folks out there: I just
arrived in Geneva, and my US drivers license is set to expire in April. Will I be able to
exchange that for a Swiss one? If so, will the Swiss one have the same expiration date
or will it be good for a normal term? Out of curiosity, what is a normal term?
Thanks!
Robb
Robb N, Oct 21, 09 09:28
I had a Canadian driver licence type G2- which is not a full licence and didn't allow me to drive on highways on my own. It was due to expire 2 weeks before I went to change it.
I got a full Swiss driving licence instead, which means if I go back to Canada, I should be able to exchange it for a full G licence:-)
The text you are quoting:
Thanks for the great post, Maria.
Question for folks out there: I just
arrived in Geneva, and my US drivers license is set to expire in April. Will I be able to
exchange that for a Swiss one? If so, will the Swiss one have the same expiration date
or will it be good for a normal term? Out of curiosity, what is a normal term?
Thanks!
Robb
Robb N, Oct 21, 09 09:28
I had a Canadian driver licence type G2- which is not a full licence and didn't allow me to drive on highways on my own. It was due to expire 2 weeks before I went to change it.
I got a full Swiss driving licence instead, which means if I go back to Canada, I should be able to exchange it for a full G licence:-)
Marz, Oct 25, 2009 @ 12:04
Question for folks out there: I just
arrived in Geneva, and my US drivers license is set to expire in April. Will I be able to
exchange that for a Swiss one? If so, will the Swiss one have the same expiration date
or will it be good for a normal term? Out of curiosity, what is a normal term?
Thanks!
Robb
Robb N, Oct 21, 09 09:28
I had a Canadian driver licence type G2- which is not a full licence and didn't allow me to drive on highways on my own. It was due to expire 2 weeks before I went to change it.
I got a full Swiss driving licence instead, which means if I go back to Canada, I should be able to exchange it for a full G licence:-)
Marz, Oct 25, 2009 @ 12:04
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 12
Oct 29, 2009 @ 16:19
It says explicitly on the form that Passport/Swiss ID is necessary for Swiss people. Foreigners need their residency permit.
I was a bit annoyed because I wanted to be entitled to drive all the things I could drive in the UK -- trucks and buses and things, just for the sake of it -- but the guy explicitly made me write that I didn't want certain categories.
I finally got around to exchanging my driving license this morning. I've been here for almost 2 years and driving all the time. So if one is obliged to exchange the license during the first year, I'm kind of curious as to what law I have been breaking for the last 12 months. Was my license invalid and I was driving unlicensed? Or was it more or less legal but if I had been in an accident my insurance company would have shafted me? Anyone know? I guess the question is what happens if you don't exchange the license?
(Also, I learned the French word for being under legal guardianship and that's got to be worth 150 big ones.)
I was a bit annoyed because I wanted to be entitled to drive all the things I could drive in the UK -- trucks and buses and things, just for the sake of it -- but the guy explicitly made me write that I didn't want certain categories.
I finally got around to exchanging my driving license this morning. I've been here for almost 2 years and driving all the time. So if one is obliged to exchange the license during the first year, I'm kind of curious as to what law I have been breaking for the last 12 months. Was my license invalid and I was driving unlicensed? Or was it more or less legal but if I had been in an accident my insurance company would have shafted me? Anyone know? I guess the question is what happens if you don't exchange the license?
(Also, I learned the French word for being under legal guardianship and that's got to be worth 150 big ones.)
The text you are quoting:
It says explicitly on the form that Passport/Swiss ID is necessary for Swiss people. Foreigners need their residency permit.
I was a bit annoyed because I wanted to be entitled to drive all the things I could drive in the UK -- trucks and buses and things, just for the sake of it -- but the guy explicitly made me write that I didn't want certain categories.
I finally got around to exchanging my driving license this morning. I've been here for almost 2 years and driving all the time. So if one is obliged to exchange the license during the first year, I'm kind of curious as to what law I have been breaking for the last 12 months. Was my license invalid and I was driving unlicensed? Or was it more or less legal but if I had been in an accident my insurance company would have shafted me? Anyone know? I guess the question is what happens if you don't exchange the license?
(Also, I learned the French word for being under legal guardianship and that's got to be worth 150 big ones.)
hayes, Oct 29, 2009 @ 16:19
I was a bit annoyed because I wanted to be entitled to drive all the things I could drive in the UK -- trucks and buses and things, just for the sake of it -- but the guy explicitly made me write that I didn't want certain categories.
I finally got around to exchanging my driving license this morning. I've been here for almost 2 years and driving all the time. So if one is obliged to exchange the license during the first year, I'm kind of curious as to what law I have been breaking for the last 12 months. Was my license invalid and I was driving unlicensed? Or was it more or less legal but if I had been in an accident my insurance company would have shafted me? Anyone know? I guess the question is what happens if you don't exchange the license?
(Also, I learned the French word for being under legal guardianship and that's got to be worth 150 big ones.)
hayes, Oct 29, 2009 @ 16:19
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 13
Oct 29, 2009 @ 17:14
It says explicitly on the form that Passport/Swiss ID is necessary for Swiss people. Foreigners need their residency permit.
I was a bit annoyed because I wanted to be entitled to drive all the things I could drive in the UK -- trucks and buses and things, just for the sake of it -- but the guy explicitly made me write that I didn't want certain categories.
I finally got around to exchanging my driving license this morning. I've been here for almost 2 years and driving all the time. So if one is obliged to exchange the license during the first year, I'm kind of curious as to what law I have been breaking for the last 12 months. Was my license invalid and I was driving unlicensed? Or was it more or less legal but if I had been in an accident my insurance company would have shafted me? Anyone know? I guess the question is what happens if you don't exchange the license?
(Also, I learned the French word for being under legal guardianship and that's got to be worth 150 big ones.)
Oct 29, 09 16:19
I was a bit annoyed because I wanted to be entitled to drive all the things I could drive in the UK -- trucks and buses and things, just for the sake of it -- but the guy explicitly made me write that I didn't want certain categories.
I finally got around to exchanging my driving license this morning. I've been here for almost 2 years and driving all the time. So if one is obliged to exchange the license during the first year, I'm kind of curious as to what law I have been breaking for the last 12 months. Was my license invalid and I was driving unlicensed? Or was it more or less legal but if I had been in an accident my insurance company would have shafted me? Anyone know? I guess the question is what happens if you don't exchange the license?
(Also, I learned the French word for being under legal guardianship and that's got to be worth 150 big ones.)
Oct 29, 09 16:19
Hayes, when I went to change my driver's licence in August, just one year after I arrived here and when my Canadian licence was to expire very soon, I was informed that even if my licence expired I still had a year to do it, so it is interesting how supposedly one has to change it within a year and it doesn't really apply.
The text you are quoting:
Hayes, when I went to change my driver's licence in August, just one year after I arrived here and when my Canadian licence was to expire very soon, I was informed that even if my licence expired I still had a year to do it, so it is interesting how supposedly one has to change it within a year and it doesn't really apply.
Marz, Oct 29, 2009 @ 17:14
Marz, Oct 29, 2009 @ 17:14
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 14
Oct 29, 2009 @ 17:22
Hayes, when I went to change my driver's licence in August, just one year after I arrived here and when my Canadian licence was to expire very soon, I was informed that even if my licence expired I still had a year to do it, so it is interesting how supposedly one has to change it within a year and it doesn't really apply.
Oct 29, 09 17:14
Oct 29, 09 17:14
That's interesting... so according to that, you could in principle have exchanged an invalid driving license for a valid one?
Well, I suppose it would actually have been the same in Canada, right? You could renew your drivers license after it has expired -- you just wouldn't be able to drive during that interim period... you wouldn't have to do the test again because you didn't renew it. Or no?
It would be really good if all this fussiness could just go away.
Well, I suppose it would actually have been the same in Canada, right? You could renew your drivers license after it has expired -- you just wouldn't be able to drive during that interim period... you wouldn't have to do the test again because you didn't renew it. Or no?
It would be really good if all this fussiness could just go away.
The text you are quoting:
That's interesting... so according to that, you could in principle have exchanged an invalid driving license for a valid one?
Well, I suppose it would actually have been the same in Canada, right? You could renew your drivers license after it has expired -- you just wouldn't be able to drive during that interim period... you wouldn't have to do the test again because you didn't renew it. Or no?
It would be really good if all this fussiness could just go away.
hayes, Oct 29, 2009 @ 17:22
Well, I suppose it would actually have been the same in Canada, right? You could renew your drivers license after it has expired -- you just wouldn't be able to drive during that interim period... you wouldn't have to do the test again because you didn't renew it. Or no?
It would be really good if all this fussiness could just go away.
hayes, Oct 29, 2009 @ 17:22
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 15
Oct 29, 2009 @ 17:40
That's interesting... so according to that, you could in principle have exchanged an invalid driving license for a valid one?
Well, I suppose it would actually have been the same in Canada, right? You could renew your drivers license after it has expired -- you just wouldn't be able to drive during that interim period... you wouldn't have to do the test again because you didn't renew it. Or no?
It would be really good if all this fussiness could just go away.
Oct 29, 09 17:22
Well, I suppose it would actually have been the same in Canada, right? You could renew your drivers license after it has expired -- you just wouldn't be able to drive during that interim period... you wouldn't have to do the test again because you didn't renew it. Or no?
It would be really good if all this fussiness could just go away.
Oct 29, 09 17:22
Actually, in Canada if my licence expired, I'd would have to start from the beginning ,i.e. I'd have to take the G 1 test ( theory), and then take G2 again ( driving test). Here, they said that even if my licence expires, I still have a year to change it:-) even if that would also mean that I'd have lived here for 2 years by that time.
The best part is that they changed my G2 licence into a full licence. In Canada, a full licence is G (I didn't manage to take the test because I left) and it allows you to drive on highways on your own. So now, if I want to change the Swiss licence back into the Canadian one, I should get G not G2 :-)
The best part is that they changed my G2 licence into a full licence. In Canada, a full licence is G (I didn't manage to take the test because I left) and it allows you to drive on highways on your own. So now, if I want to change the Swiss licence back into the Canadian one, I should get G not G2 :-)
The text you are quoting:
Actually, in Canada if my licence expired, I'd would have to start from the beginning ,i.e. I'd have to take the G 1 test ( theory), and then take G2 again ( driving test). Here, they said that even if my licence expires, I still have a year to change it:-) even if that would also mean that I'd have lived here for 2 years by that time.
The best part is that they changed my G2 licence into a full licence. In Canada, a full licence is G (I didn't manage to take the test because I left) and it allows you to drive on highways on your own. So now, if I want to change the Swiss licence back into the Canadian one, I should get G not G2 :-)
Marz, Oct 29, 2009 @ 17:40
The best part is that they changed my G2 licence into a full licence. In Canada, a full licence is G (I didn't manage to take the test because I left) and it allows you to drive on highways on your own. So now, if I want to change the Swiss licence back into the Canadian one, I should get G not G2 :-)
Marz, Oct 29, 2009 @ 17:40
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 16
Oct 29, 2009 @ 19:24
I had a Dutch license and wanted to exchange it for a swiss after 14 months. My workpermit just expired and was waiting for a new one. That couldn't stop me anyway from going to the office with all the forms. As my French is quite bad they helped me in English. The guy refused to renew due to my expried workpermit, so I asked him as I was kinda late (14months) to renew if that would be a problem. He noted on the form in writing that I was waiting for a new workpermit and a license should be granted when I got my new workpermit. At the same time I was moving to Nyon so when I got my new workpermit had to go to the office in Vaud. They accepted the application form from Geneva without a problem at the Vaud office. Got my new drivers license 3 days later and paid 40 CHF.
By law you have 1 year to change to a Swiss license, but in Geneva from what I have heard they will even accept upto 3 years after you arrived.
By law you have 1 year to change to a Swiss license, but in Geneva from what I have heard they will even accept upto 3 years after you arrived.
The text you are quoting:
I had a Dutch license and wanted to exchange it for a swiss after 14 months. My workpermit just expired and was waiting for a new one. That couldn't stop me anyway from going to the office with all the forms. As my French is quite bad they helped me in English. The guy refused to renew due to my expried workpermit, so I asked him as I was kinda late (14months) to renew if that would be a problem. He noted on the form in writing that I was waiting for a new workpermit and a license should be granted when I got my new workpermit. At the same time I was moving to Nyon so when I got my new workpermit had to go to the office in Vaud. They accepted the application form from Geneva without a problem at the Vaud office. Got my new drivers license 3 days later and paid 40 CHF.
By law you have 1 year to change to a Swiss license, but in Geneva from what I have heard they will even accept upto 3 years after you arrived.
ThomasNL, Oct 29, 2009 @ 19:24
By law you have 1 year to change to a Swiss license, but in Geneva from what I have heard they will even accept upto 3 years after you arrived.
ThomasNL, Oct 29, 2009 @ 19:24
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 17
Dec 24, 2009 @ 19:34
Sorry to bump the post, however if anyone is from the US, please make sure your drivers license state the date it was issued (original date). I have a Texas license and it doesn't say that. Now I need to chase the Texas Department of Public safety to get some kind of certification that states when it was originally issued.
Can it get anymore bureaucratic than this?
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Sorry to bump the post, however if anyone is from the US, please make sure your drivers license state the date it was issued (original date). I have a Texas license and it doesn't say that. Now I need to chase the Texas Department of Public safety to get some kind of certification that states when it was originally issued.
Can it get anymore bureaucratic than this?
reuterb, Dec 24, 2009 @ 19:34
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 18
Jan 16, 2013 @ 11:53
Hello,
I exchanged my US driver license which was about to expire in October to the Swiss one in June following the same path as Maria documented. But I have heard that depending on the date when your US license was issued you might need to pass some test. My recollection is that your US driver license was issued *before* Dec.1 2005 then you do not need a test. I didn't.
My Swiss license does not have any expiration date.
Oct 25, 09 11:26
I exchanged my US driver license which was about to expire in October to the Swiss one in June following the same path as Maria documented. But I have heard that depending on the date when your US license was issued you might need to pass some test. My recollection is that your US driver license was issued *before* Dec.1 2005 then you do not need a test. I didn't.
My Swiss license does not have any expiration date.
Oct 25, 09 11:26
Doing a bit of research in order to exchange my US license for a Swiss one. This quote addresses the last question I am trying to get answered. What is the length of time I am supposed to have had my license in order to avoid being considered a "new" driver? Is it at least four years, as this post seems to imply? If so, am I screwed? My Michigan license only has the issue date of the current license itself, not the length of time I have actually been a licensed driver in the state. And the issue date on my current license doesn't go back the full four years. I have tried doing searches on other sites, on Swiss driving laws, etc., but don't speak French or German, so I am coming up empty. Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated.
And P.S., this is a great thread for the specifics on how to apply for the license. Answered a lot more of my questions. Thanks.
The text you are quoting:
Doing a bit of research in order to exchange my US license for a Swiss one. This quote addresses the last question I am trying to get answered. What is the length of time I am supposed to have had my license in order to avoid being considered a "new" driver? Is it at least four years, as this post seems to imply? If so, am I screwed? My Michigan license only has the issue date of the current license itself, not the length of time I have actually been a licensed driver in the state. And the issue date on my current license doesn't go back the full four years. I have tried doing searches on other sites, on Swiss driving laws, etc., but don't speak French or German, so I am coming up empty. Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated.
And P.S., this is a great thread for the specifics on how to apply for the license. Answered a lot more of my questions. Thanks.
Jennifer W, Jan 16, 2013 @ 11:53
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 19
Jan 16, 2013 @ 12:40
Hi Jennifer,
Two issues to that might help you and to keep in mind:
- You should be able to request a copy of your driving record from the Michigan DOT or its equivalent. The same kind of document that your insurance typically in the US has access to.
- It is not about how long you have been a driver. The Geneva authority actually has blocks of periods (not necessarily successive) per state where they do not "trust" the driving license.
I suggest you go talk to them, even if it will take about 1 hr beween getting there and waiting in line, at least that's how long it took me.
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Hi Jennifer,
Two issues to that might help you and to keep in mind:
- You should be able to request a copy of your driving record from the Michigan DOT or its equivalent. The same kind of document that your insurance typically in the US has access to.
- It is not about how long you have been a driver. The Geneva authority actually has blocks of periods (not necessarily successive) per state where they do not "trust" the driving license.
I suggest you go talk to them, even if it will take about 1 hr beween getting there and waiting in line, at least that's how long it took me.
reuterb, Jan 16, 2013 @ 12:40
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 20
Jan 16, 2013 @ 14:56
Doing a bit of research in order to exchange my US license for a Swiss one. This quote addresses the last question I am trying to get answered. What is the length of time I am supposed to have had my license in order to avoid being considered a "new" driver? Is it at least four years, as this post seems to imply? If so, am I screwed? My Michigan license only has the issue date of the current license itself, not the length of time I have actually been a licensed driver in the state. And the issue date on my current license doesn't go back the full four years. I have tried doing searches on other sites, on Swiss driving laws, etc., but don't speak French or German, so I am coming up empty. Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated.
And P.S., this is a great thread for the specifics on how to apply for the license. Answered a lot more of my questions. Thanks.
Jan 16, 13 11:53
Just go there and ask, or have someone who speaks French call them, I doubt that anyone here can answer such a specific question. If you go on a week day at lunch time it shouldn't take more than 15 minutes, they normally have a dedicated person to answer questions.
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Just go there and ask, or have someone who speaks French call them, I doubt that anyone here can answer such a specific question. If you go on a week day at lunch time it shouldn't take more than 15 minutes, they normally have a dedicated person to answer questions.
catalin, Jan 16, 2013 @ 14:56
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 21
Dec 20, 2013 @ 12:15
Does anyone know where I can translate my greek driving licence in Coppet?
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Does anyone know where I can translate my greek driving licence in Coppet?
Irene M, Dec 20, 2013 @ 12:15
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 22
Dec 20, 2013 @ 17:14
Does anyone know where I can translate my greek driving licence in Coppet?
Dec 20, 13 12:15
Your local Mairie should have a list of translatorswho are authorized to translate official documents, so with a little bit of luck you may find one in Nyon.
Best, R.
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Your local Mairie should have a list of translatorswho are authorized to translate official documents, so with a little bit of luck you may find one in Nyon.
Best, R.
Ritchie, Dec 20, 2013 @ 17:14
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 23
Dec 20, 2013 @ 23:55
I had mine translated at a guy in Coppet. They gave me his details at the bureau des autos so its worth calling them
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I had mine translated at a guy in Coppet. They gave me his details at the bureau des autos so its worth calling them
Maria_, Dec 20, 2013 @ 23:55
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 24
May 9, 2014 @ 10:37
Great post Maria! Really helpful!
Just so others know, however, the link for the document you have to fill out has moved to
http://ge.ch/vehicules/permis-de-conduire-et-permis-deleve/echange-dun-permis-de-conduire-etranger
(click on "Formule d'echange..." and then "telecharger")
Also on the same webpage, you'll find the list of "affiliated" opticians. I don't know if it matters, but I picked mine from that list (click on "opticien agree").
Thanks again!
The text you are quoting:
Great post Maria! Really helpful!
Just so others know, however, the link for the document you have to fill out has moved to
http://ge.ch/vehicules/permis-de-conduire-et-permis-deleve/echange-dun-permis-de-conduire-etranger
(click on "Formule d'echange..." and then "telecharger")
Also on the same webpage, you'll find the list of "affiliated" opticians. I don't know if it matters, but I picked mine from that list (click on "opticien agree").
Thanks again!
Panos I, May 9, 2014 @ 10:37
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 25
May 9, 2014 @ 10:50
Thanks for the great post, Maria.
Question for folks out there: I just arrived in Geneva, and my US drivers license is set to expire in April. Will I be able to exchange that for a Swiss one? If so, will the Swiss one have the same expiration date or will it be good for a normal term? Out of curiosity, what is a normal term?
Thanks!
Robb
Oct 21, 09 09:28
Question for folks out there: I just arrived in Geneva, and my US drivers license is set to expire in April. Will I be able to exchange that for a Swiss one? If so, will the Swiss one have the same expiration date or will it be good for a normal term? Out of curiosity, what is a normal term?
Thanks!
Robb
Oct 21, 09 09:28
Depending from which state your US license was issued, you should be able to just exchange it for a Swiss license. I don't think the expiration date matters, but just in case, if I were you I would request a renewal license from the US, you can do it online (or at least in Texas you can).
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Depending from which state your US license was issued, you should be able to just exchange it for a Swiss license. I don't think the expiration date matters, but just in case, if I were you I would request a renewal license from the US, you can do it online (or at least in Texas you can).
Jean-Jacques B, May 9, 2014 @ 10:50
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 26
May 9, 2014 @ 10:57
Probably but i dont know which countries.
Im EU so i didnt need to take the test. Good thing too because i would never pass!
Oct 23, 09 13:51
Im EU so i didnt need to take the test. Good thing too because i would never pass!
Oct 23, 09 13:51
I hope your actual driving is better than your exam taking skills, otherwise, I really hope we won't cross paths on the road! 
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I hope your actual driving is better than your exam taking skills, otherwise, I really hope we won't cross paths on the road!
Jean-Jacques B, May 9, 2014 @ 10:57
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 27
May 12, 2014 @ 13:59
Just to complete the post, here is a list of residency permits which are exempt from having to exchange the driver’s license.
So check first. Depending on where you work and what kind of permit you have, you can actually keep your driver’s license while you are in Switzerland.
http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/home/topics/intorg/un/unge/gepri/manveh/manve6.html
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Just to complete the post, here is a list of residency permits which are exempt from having to exchange the driver’s license.
So check first. Depending on where you work and what kind of permit you have, you can actually keep your driver’s license while you are in Switzerland.
http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/home/topics/intorg/un/unge/gepri/manveh/manve6.html
xaviero, May 12, 2014 @ 13:59
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Re: How to change your driving license: A complete guide
Post 28
May 13, 2014 @ 12:07
For some of you that have relatives in Poland beware:
A Polish immigrant went to the Department of Motor Vehicle to apply for a driver's license and receive a dossier to complete with instructions. First, of course, he had to take an eye sight test The optician showed him a card with the letters
'C Z W I X N O S T A C Z.'
'Can you read this?' the optician asked.
'Read it?' the Polish guy replied, 'I know the guy.
Cool attitude
The text you are quoting:
For some of you that have relatives in Poland beware:
A Polish immigrant went to the Department of Motor Vehicle to apply for a driver's license and receive a dossier to complete with instructions. First, of course, he had to take an eye sight test The optician showed him a card with the letters
'C Z W I X N O S T A C Z.'
'Can you read this?' the optician asked.
'Read it?' the Polish guy replied, 'I know the guy.
Cool attitude
alfi K, May 13, 2014 @ 12:07
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