Do you hold a foreign license? If so you can simply exchange it for a Swiss one.

I have a valid US license, though I have lived here for more than a year. I understand there are eye tests, exams, etc. if you have not exchanged it in the first year. I've managed nicely without a car until now. Now I have no choice.

Just go to Bureau des Autos and try to have it exchanged. It takes maybe 30-45 minutes. If they cannot exchange it they will tell you exactly what you need to do. Ideally take a French speaking friend or colleague with you just in case.

Thanks for the input. I will give it a go.

John, what I was trying to say - I need to do the same thing and I do speak French. If you want, we can go there together, I will help you to communicate with them!

i was here for 2 years before i exchanged my UK licence for a Swiss one.

 There is a form you can download  from the local cantonal website, then you need to go for an eyetest  asking for one for a permis de conduire then  you need to get it signed off by the locsl municipalite then take it to the centre d'automobiles   and they will do it... don't worry about the 1 yr deadline

I didn't need no eye test... that's why I say go there and try before doing anything unnecessary... Also I believe that the 1 year term is enforced for driving with a foreign license not for exchanging it.

The easiest is probably to try to apply for a conversion of your foreign direver's license, arguing that you did not need to drive during this period. It could maybe work, but it's correct that after 12 months of Swiss residence, there is no right to obtain such conversion.

For the form, you may download it on the following website:

http://www.geneve.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

If the conversion is refused due to the long delay, you wil have to pass the exam again, which implies: test of the eyes, first aid test, driving theory test and practical test. You may find additional information on the following website: http://www.lepermisdeconduire.ch/?lang=fr

For those who import their car in Switzerland, it's possible to avoid the Swiss import VAT if the car is imported during the period of moving, if the car is declared as part of the moving goods and if the car was not purchased shortly before the move.

Hi John,

I exchanged my license about a month ago. You need to have an eye test it costs chf 20, takes 20 mins and the optician will complete the form and have you sign it.

I then went to Bureau des Autos with, the form from the optician, my original license, new standard passport colour photos and CHF 140 (i think), when you enter go to reception, the person there spoke perfect English, checks your documents and then tells you were to line up to get your license. Extremely efficient and helpful.

I queued for about 30 mins and then went to the desk, had documents rechecked and photos scanned and answered questions in extremely basic French as this lady spoke no English. Again no hassle no stress very helpful people there. She then told me to wait at another area and less that 10 mins later they called my name and I paid and collected my license on the spot, no hassle no issues.

I work for a UN org in Geneva and although you are exempt from having to obtain a Swiss license, my national driving license was about to expire and I had no chance to go home and renew it. I just explained that and they happily exchanged it for me. The great thing is now my Swiss license never expires (which I think is genius). When you read the form (from the website or optician) it tells you the countries Switzerland has an agreement with for license exchange, USA is on it (just FYI).

It was a pain free process for me, I hope it's that way for you too.

One last thing, I wouldn't leave it till 4pm (when the office closes) to go, as the queue was very long and they lock the front door and you cannot get in, people exit through a side door.

Bon Dimanche!

Sounds perfect. Now, what car should I buy? Ugh

Thanks for all the good feedback, people!

depends on what you need but lessing a small Ford for less than 100 francs a month isn't a bad option