Hi everyone,

I have a bit of a complicated situation here.

Well, basically I have lived in Switzerland for... 18 years now. I have just recently obtained a Swiss passport (yay!)

My parents have a summer home in france and during one university summer (i did university in the UK), I went to france with them and decided to take my driving test so did all the lessons, the theory the practical etc. I then obtained a french drivers license. However, I actually live in Switzerland. To my knowledge, I fit in no category in order to switch in my french license for a swiss one. I was studyin in the UK, therefore if I had done the license there I could get a letter saying that was why I took it there, but I did it in france. The Swiss don't understand why I did it in france, I have no way obviously of proving I was in france for an extended period and at the time, having a C permit, I was expected to take the test in Switzerland. What can I do now? PLEASE tell me I do not have to redo the whole exam, theory etc just because of technicalities?? Any way I can work around this? If I get an International Driver's license (which I can get from France), being resident in Switzerland, does that suffice? I just dont' see an out for getting a swiss license without having to redo everything again!

thanks for any help or advice

You can't justify having an international drivers license while actually residing here. When I arrived here some 8 years ago, I was able to drive around with an international drivers license but I was told to take the practical exams within 1 year or else have to do also the theoretical part.

You better ask the authorities on what you can do about converting your french license to swiss one.

everything I know about Swiss rules says that you are fkced. If you find a solution come back and let us know!

This is the research you should've done before wasting time getting a licence in France

Had you been permanent resident in France, they might listen. You could try negotiating but they're used to people trying to play the system - and that's how it appears you've proceeded.

Sorry, you might have to repeat everything.