Sheila - when we first moved from NZ we had to take a physical driving test in order to get a Swiss licence (something my dear wife would care not to repeat EVER !!) Not sure if coming from the US would make any difference.

I understand you can exchange your drivers permit from a slected list of countries in excahnge for a Swiss drivers licence within the first 12months of residing in the Canton of Geneva (other canton, not sure) but here is the direct link that can help you very quickly

http://ge.ch/vehicules/permis-de-conduire-et-permis-deleve/echange-dun-permis-de-conduire-etranger

As you see you need:

Opération à effectuer dans les 12 mois dès la prise de domicile en Suisse

Prix

Le conducteur doit se présenter personnellement aux guichets du service des permis de conduire.

I believe US drivers licences are then automatically converted to a swiss licence. I also understand this also appy to EU, UK, and Canadian driver licences.

Versus licences of emerging countries, 2nd, or 3rd world countires, they dont automatically exchange them. For whatever reason, its not for me to dispute as it Switezrland and they can decide what they accept or not from Foreigners/strangers/etranger. Dont like there rules, oh well, good luck or just dont drive here.

Other final option is taking theory and driving leasons. I understand that TCS is very willing to host leasons for english speaking GROUPS, to help with passing those 2 exams. Not easy and not cheep. I have a director contact at TCS that can help arrange groups.

Perhaps the US Embassy in Bern could tell you.  Or the American Internatonal Club in Geneva.

R.

ASK SAN . http://ge.ch/vehicules/

It is the official website of the vehicule administration

But normally there is an automatic exchange between USA and Switzerland . If you have automatic driving licence you will only able to drive automatic though

Cheers