Hi all,

I've had a good look through the forums, but I can't seem to find info related to my situation (probably my poor searching skills), anyway..

We moved to Switzerland 1st June 2015, probably registered with the Canton/obtained permits around 1st July. The deadline for transferring our driving license to Swiss versions is obviously approaching, so a question about motorcycle licenses.

I was in the UK just recently and took my theory, with a view to booking in the practical mid/late May, but this is cutting it fine with the above deadline.

Is it best to try and complete my UK motorcycle license in the UK before transferring over to the Swiss one, or would it be simpler (safer) to exchange my current driving license then take the motorcycle test in Switzerland? If the latter, when exchanging the Swiss license for a UK one in the future, will the motorcycle license qualification still stand?

Thanks..

Since you're resident here, you need to go through the process here. Anything you do in the UK will not count.

The good news though is you don't need to do a theory test here if you have a car licence. You need to do some basic training and some hours of instruction then a test.

When you go, you take the entitlement with you.

Exchange your UK car license.

You will not be able to exchange your UK motorcycle license as you need to have had it for a year before moving.

You'll have to do the motorcycle license here anyway.

Excellent thanks for the quick reply and information Mr Connery.

Thanks for confirming MiniMia

I've had my motorcycle license for about 5 months, and I just moved here.
So... would I need to take the test?


And what if I wait a little? I just moved in Zurich and I think I have one year before I have to exchange the license.
If I wait 7 months, I am still within the legal period and my license for cat. A will have more than one year.


Could this work?

Yes. Classes and test.

The rule seems to be you need to have had the license 1 year before moving here. So technically, no. But if I were you I would at least try. It can't hurt.

Thanks for the reply.
Looks like slim chances, but I'll try it anyway.

I can't find any requirement on how long one must have had the foreign license before registering to get it exchanged. What is mentioned is that, if a resident is abroad for at least 12 months and gets a foreign license during that time, this license is accepted and changed into a local one. Such a requirement would probably be mentioned on the form, just like other durations are mentioned e.g. the requirement to have it exchanged within 12 months.

I think that you'll be able to exchange your license without any issues.