Where are you getting this information?

The process should just be a straight exchange of permit. Yes you need a photo and you need to fill in the form.

I just converted mind in January with not exam. So did my wife. Make sure you ask them to return your US license though. They don't do it automatically.

The rules are federal administered by the Canton, same for everybody who wants a Swiss driving licence

Hi Thanks for all the suggesions. You are right in USA there are lot of things that cant be done here. And theory exam in Washington state seattle was dam easy to pass. And I havent seen those signs any where either in Washington or california states.

It is really important though to learn the rules and regulation in the country where you live and drive.

Hi may I know in which canton you did that. I live in wallis. Imay move to Bern. Just I am thinking which one is better.

I've always thought it odd that I could just exchange my Australian driving licence for a Swiss one -- no tests. We drive on the other side of the road there and many rules are very different (especially the rules dealing with trams, say in Melbourne). I don't see why the US should come under particular scrutiny.

Yes, I would definitely choose my canton of residence according to the driving licence provisions.

Is there a site in English that actually shows what ALL of the road signs in CH mean?

Would be nice to know if I actually know what I think I might know...

Hi I got the inforrmation on the website of 2 or 3 cantonal drivers license offices.

From WALLIS:
http://www.vs.ch/navig/navig.asp?Men...RefServiceID=0

From Basel-Stadt
http://www.mfk.bs.ch/fuehrerausweise...rliste_000.pdf

Checkout from VD canton
http://www.vd.ch/fr/themes/mobilite/...vec-la-suisse/

gf did receive her this week.

She had to hand in her US one....then called to ask if she could keep it and she could. Now has the swiss and US.

No test or anything. (exept eyes and 100chf applic fee)

According to my road sign cheat sheet here those funny signs mean priority road, and end of priority road. I still don't know what that means though...

It means that you have right of way if there is a road appearing on your right. Normally you have to give way to the right. (All the time(!) which certainly isnt the case in NZ))

My man chants the mantra - "Lefts Insurance Pays"

What you do need to do is to prove that you have held your license for at least 3 years or more. Then you can trade your US license for a CH license. You can get your US license back simply by asking for it. They will sticker and stamp it as being in valid for use here and give it right back to you, then and there.

If your driver's license isn't at least 3 years old then you will have to get written proof from your State(s) of residence showing when you first obtained a license and then show proof that you have bee continuously licensed since that time.

Good Luck,
Brian.

My husband and I got ours last month with no problems. Do you do need to have a vision test, fill in a form, show your US drivers license and of course pay a fee. After that they happily hand you a lifetime Swiss driver's license. Amazing.

You guys are so lucky...

France will only allow a handful of US states to do a license exchange.

Everyone else...has to take the written test and the driving test over again AND the written and driving tests in France are not easy...

It took me 6 months to be able to pass both French tests and a reasonable amount of money (500€).

For someone who actually doesn't know how to drive, it would take about a year and 1000€.

The French may not follow all the rules AFTER they get their licenses but they make it REALLY hard to get that license!

I'd like to share my experience. I am currently in Aargau (Baden) and am in the process of getting the Swiss driver license. I was asked to submit proof of my US (California) residency for at least one year. Another requirement is to take the Nothelferkurs, the basic one. The lady from the Strassenverhehrsamt sent me letter requesting a certificate from an employer, or a letter from the State/City. I couldn't provide both. I sent my water bill and W-2 while in the US. Have no idea if tshe will accept a water bill??. Wish me luck!

I did not have to take any other tests. Only SFr13 for eye exam and SFr10 from the City of Baden to certify that I am a resident.

What are the CH rules/guidance regarding transfer of endorsements pls, e.g.
motor vehicle -> motor vehicle
motorcycle -> motorcyle

Regards

I say I am shocked there are drivers around me on swiss roads who do not know what these signs means ... It is very scary because I mostly ride motocycle, and if you don't know that I have a priority to go, most likely I am in a bad situation ...

Usually they transfer whatever is written in your original license.

Not sure exactly what you mean by endorsements, what you need is a valid US driver's license, valid passport and a valid work permit in addition to an eye test which can be done at most optical centers.

I agree that it's pretty frightening. People who transfer/trade a US drivers license (of which I am one!) should really be given a little guide in English to inform them of the differences in driving rules and signage.

There is an english translation of the Swiss Driving Code available in book stores. But, it does cost more than 50chf.

I guess the government isn't really concerned with safety more than the publisher is concerned with making a shed load of money. Of course the demand for the english translation might just be that low. I doubt it but it could be true. Oh, well...

Brian.

When I moved to Arizona I didn't realize my license would be valid until I turned 65. Arizona doesn't even require folks to take driver's ed. (That I don't agree with) Therefore every time you get on the freeway it is an intense game of Frogger, where you are moving with the flow but trying not to get run over by SUVs with too-dark tints.