I am one of those who didn't exchange their UK driving license within a year of being here, so my understanding is I have to take the driving test again to get my license changed over to a Swiss one. 
Does anyone have any tips on how this process works, and in particular if anyone knows a good driving school in central Geneva that accommodates English speakers (with a little French!). Many thanks, Siany
I am one of those who didn't exchange their UK driving license within a year of being here, so my understanding is I have to take the driving test again to get my license changed over to a Swiss one.
Does anyone have any tips on how this process works, and in particular if anyone knows a good driving school in central Geneva that accommodates English speakers (with a little French!). Many thanks, Siany
i have had to take the driving exam (theory and practical) for my motorcycle license, which is the same as for a car. be aware that although you can take the exam in english, the vocabulary is very misleading and i strongly advise to take it in french....and here is why. often times there are two similar answers to the question asked, yet only one is correct. the correct answer uses the wording as described in the official swiss driving code (in french) whereas the other answer says the same thing using everyday french. this difference is not apparent when the english language version is used. also you can buy the booklet with 300 sample questions and answers. the exam is made up from those sample questions. i learned all 300 by heart and scored 100% when i took the exam. hope this has been helpful.
i have had to take the driving exam (theory and practical) for my motorcycle license, which is the same as for a car. be aware that although you can take the exam in english, the vocabulary is very misleading and i strongly advise to take it in french....and here is why. often times there are two similar answers to the question asked, yet only one is correct. the correct answer uses the wording as described in the official swiss driving code (in french) whereas the other answer says the same thing using everyday french. this difference is not apparent when the english language version is used. also you can buy the booklet with 300 sample questions and answers. the exam is made up from those sample questions. i learned all 300 by heart and scored 100% when i took the exam. hope this has been helpful.
I am one of those who didn't exchange their UK driving license within a year of being here, so my understanding is I have to take the driving test again to get my license changed over to a Swiss one.
Does anyone have any tips on how this process works, and in particular if anyone knows a good driving school in central Geneva that accommodates English speakers (with a little French!). Many thanks, Siany
I'm not quite sure of the exact legal requirements, but this is often overlooked. If you go over that one year and you drive, I think it essentially means you won't be covered by your insurance. BUT! There are all these tales of people having exchanged their license after 14, 16, 18 months with no problems (apart from the 20+150=170 chuffs). I exchanged mine after 24 (twenty four) months of being here. My advice is to get your eyes tested and head down to the OCAN quick smart. Otherwise brucelawson will be rude to you.
I'm not quite sure of the exact legal requirements, but this is often overlooked. If you go over that one year and you drive, I think it essentially means you won't be covered by your insurance. BUT! There are all these tales of people having exchanged their license after 14, 16, 18 months with no problems (apart from the 20+150=170 chuffs). I exchanged mine after 24 (twenty four) months of being here. My advice is to get your eyes tested and head down to the OCAN quick smart. Otherwise brucelawson will be rude to you.
Just go to the Bureau des autos, ask them to exchange your driving license, as it really doesn't matter how long you have been here, you don't need to retake the test. just hand over the cash, and they'll give you a swiss license.
Also this rue of having to change the license within 1 year does not apply to european driving licenses as they are considered on the same level as Swiss licenses, the 1 year rule applies to people coming from African, Asian and other nations, where exam procedures and standards may not be equivalent.
Just go to the Bureau des autos, ask them to exchange your driving license, as it really doesn't matter how long you have been here, you don't need to retake the test. just hand over the cash, and they'll give you a swiss license.
Also this rue of having to change the license within 1 year does not apply to european driving licenses as they are considered on the same level as Swiss licenses, the 1 year rule applies to people coming from African, Asian and other nations, where exam procedures and standards may not be equivalent.
By the way, I changed mine after 18 months
I am not sure wheter a European driving license is considered to be a 100 % equivalent to a Swiss license. One of my colleages had to change her German license against a Swiss license. The best thing is to ask the Bureau des Autos.
I am not sure wheter a European driving license is considered to be a 100 % equivalent to a Swiss license. One of my colleages had to change her German license against a Swiss license. The best thing is to ask the Bureau des Autos.
Thanks for all the tips...off to get my eyes tested and will then try my luck at the Bureau des Autos. I will post whether I am succesful or not!! Cheers, Siany
Thanks for all the tips...off to get my eyes tested and will then try my luck at the Bureau des Autos. I will post whether I am succesful or not!! Cheers, Siany
By the way, I changed mine after 18 months
I change my German License after 20 months or so and I know others who did it after 3 years, 4 years etc!
Also, if they reject your request once, try again with another agent ;-)
A friend of mine did that and it worked for him!
So, give it a shot and let us know if you make it
Cheers,
H
I change my German License after 20 months or so and I know others who did it after 3 years, 4 years etc!
Also, if they reject your request once, try again with another agent ;-)
A friend of mine did that and it worked for him!
So, give it a shot and let us know if you make it
Cheers,
H
