I just called and asked about it. It is because I have an Ohio license which shows only the date it was issued as the date I renewed it. In Ohio, you must renew every four years. So, he had to go from the date listed on the Ohio license which puts me in a new driver category.

I was told that if I get proof that I had the license before then I can reapply and get the Swiss license with no experation. No problem.

I have contacted the Ohio Bureau of motor vehicles to demand a list showing all the years I had a license.