Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

It is still a straight swap. But you will be treated as what you are: A novice driver which certain restrictions and obligations.

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

Nope. It also applies when you are resident/registered in CH. A close friend of mine did it!

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

You are saying you can go abroad, continue to be registered in Switzerland, and get your driving licence abroad?

No, as long as you are registered in Switzerland and then go abroad to get a new licence, this one is not valid in Switzerland.

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

Since a false declaration would have been made, it's probably not valid anywhere......
But NOT the British meaning of the word.

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

For example? I would have to use the L on my back window? :rolleyes:

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

You could interpret the law as much as you like. The friend who did it, has converted her driving licence (she had to attend the two additional courses) and she is driving with it in CH! BTW, it's the OCN who told her about that!

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

So does every country in the EU. You exchange your licence for the one issued by the country you are resident in, you don't get to hold the two licences simultaneously.

The key is the two additional courses. She was treated as a novice driver so could only convert her licence under certain conditions ( taking the additional courses within a certain time frame).

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

Easy tiger! When you move to any country and exchange your previous driving licence it will be retained and sent back to the issuing country. It does mean that should you move (back) there you can get the driving license reissued.

Bit less invective against the Swiss please!

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

That's correct! She had a 3-year time range to attend the two courses (which do not include any exam)!

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

My Swiss licence was valid for 1 year as a visitor, and only 6 months once resident. Did you ever try then, to swap your licence in pre EU/reciprocal agreements days? Perhaps you were not born ?

And yes, I had to drive with an L - didn't realise that until just before the test- in Walton-on-Thames - MIL made 2 with lipstick on cardboard and tied them to the TR4 with ribbon. The Examiner checked, gave me a funny look but didn't say anything, but passed me - saying 'powerful car, you will be careful out there' - before I had to pull him out of the car as he was huge ;)

You won't believe me of course - but I truly don't care:p

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

Sure you can. I got mine back with a sticker that said 'not valid in Switzerland '
Others on the forum have as well.

But at least she did not have to the exam, the CPR course and the practical lessons. The exam is a huge PITA, particularly in Vaud that has the highest fail rate and the classes are expensive!

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

That in 1970!!! Things have changed quite a lot since then.

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

I believe every word of your DL conversion story.

Telling people that 'of course', 'probably' Brexit will affect UK driver's licenses in CH, is just plain silly. CH isn't even in the EU FFS.

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

Yes, Minimia- my post was quite clear, about things having changed since 1970- that was the point, entirely ...


No Pilatus- but it has reciprocal agreements with the EU - which will probably no longer be valid with the UK, post Brexit :rolleyes: - of course this won't affect the reciprocal agreements with other EU countries.

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

Was it an EU licence? My post was only referring to EU licences.
I thought that EU licences were retained and returned to the issuing authorities whereas non EU were returned but with the not valid in Switzerland sticker on them.

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

Were you really UK resident at the time........
This is presumably before you went as a to the UK as a secretary, then got married & stayed in the UK for 40 years.
Canadians & Americans can swop their licenses as can many other 3rd country citizens.

From your final paragraph you were already married, I call BS to some of your claims.

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

oh I know you do - enjoy.

Yep, got to UK early 1970, just after taking both car and motorcycle licences in CH- Returned to CH late 70 after 6 months assignment with Beechams- had car accident December 1970 in CH, on my way to UK- got married May 71, in a CH hospital. Rejoined OH in London July 71- had to re-take driving licence later in 71. I know you won't believe it - but that is fine, dear.

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

So are you saying your Swiss license could not be converted to a UK license, which is different from your UK license not being transferable to CH.

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

Why would things revert back to how it was in 1970? That's just silly. You don't think they have an updated law they could copy?

Yes. Good point. I skipped over those two letters. :D
Mine was a non EU license.

Re: Driving License conversion problem
 

Simply because they are part of a reciprocal agreement which won't be valid with UK anymore. No-one knows what will happen- but it is possible. It will probably apply to many things re UK, work permits, pensions, reciprocal health agreements, bringing spouses (as my initial work permit was for 6 months- I had to return to CH, and the only way I could come back, was for us to marry, aged 19 and 24) ...who knows?

Just remembered FMF, I have 2 retired Senior cops in GE who could testify if your Lordship requires- and a few in Verbier too (are you still there, pretending you are in Malta?) and a Judge and senior policeman in Valais- if you so desire.

Over and out for a while, ta.