The book that all of the Swiss use for their test is called in French "Manuel suisse des règles de circulation". This book has all of the traffic regulations, signs etc. in it.



I think that this book exists in English as well. The should have it at the place where you have to take your driving test (not sure where this is in Geneva since I am in Lausanne). The second place to try is the big Payot book store that is closest to the train station (not the one on rue du Marché). Ask in the English section which is at the back on the main floor.



Good luck,



Verbier
Verbier, Jul 17, 2008 @ 18:54

There is also an official cd rom where you can take mock exams which are actual test questions from past exams.

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

check here and see what happens. Good luck!
MarmarK, Jul 17, 2008 @ 19:34

Actually, I meant to show you this: http://www.cooldriving.ch/fr/index.htm 

That is the cd rom from Touring Club Suisse and it is in english as well.

For more information about the courses: http://www.tcs.ch/main/fr/home/kurse/fuehrerausweis.html

that is in french, german or italian.
MarmarK, Jul 17, 2008 @ 19:39

As far as a driving licenses go, you come from an exotic country (like me !). So here goes my trials, tribulations and opinions - actually primarily my opinions !



You can drive here in Switzerland for up to one year before the end of which you must take the Swiss driving test (on-the-road).



I am assuming here that your Russian licence is still valid, in which case all you need to do is take the practical test - no theory, which in effect makes it a 30-45 minute on-the-road test, the time on the road depends of course on how well you *er* drive.



Regarding the traffic regulations, road markings, signs I know that it can be pretty much like a stranger in a strange land - Verbier and MarmarK have I guess provided the necessary links.



If you have a car, my advise is to just start driving - after getting yourself somewhat familiar with the signs. Believe me, it was all the more difficult for me, cos, where I come from we drive on the other side of the road! The more time spent on the road here the better will be your confidence come d-day.



Naturally, if your Russian driving license is not valid / has expired I think it would be a better idea to get the license renewed in Russia. Otherwise, although I am not exactly sure what the procedure is, I am guessing it is gonna take some time and a whole lot of money to get a Swiss driving license from a standing start !



What to do (with short cuts ;)) for the on-the-road driving license test (the practicals !) is a long story and I guess we can cross that bridge when you get there !



and oh yes, good luck!
mea_culpa, Jul 19, 2008 @ 06:31

Hi

I would recommend you to renew your driving license in Moscow (I am pretty sure it will not be as difficult as to sit the test here) and then to convert it to Swiss one. I have not done it myself, so I cannot tell you the procedure.

Regarding driving, once you were on road in Moscow (which is a big challenge), you should not be worried to drive in Geneva. I found that people drive according to rules. Ok French/Swiss drivers can be easily annoyed, but who cares?
Katushka, Jul 21, 2008 @ 01:10