FAQs about Fahrschule Gabi Senn
Frequently asked questions about driving lessons, driver’s license, and courses
Do you have questions about driving lessons, driver’s license, traffic theory, first aid course, WAB, or driver assistance systems?
Here you’ll find the most important answers about Fahrschule Gabi Senn, flexible starting locations in Zurich West and Limmattal, as well as targeted preparation for the practical driving test in the Zurich Albisgütli and Regensdorf test areas.
Driving at 17: Am I allowed to do that?
Yes. As of January 1, 2021, you can drive a car at 17 years old with a suitable accompanying person (at least 23 years old and in possession of a driver’s license for 3 years). The Federal Council lowered the age for obtaining a learner’s permit to 17 years at the end of 2018. This was preceded by the decision that those under 20 must now complete a learning phase of twelve months with accompanied practice drives before they are allowed to take the practical driving test.
How many driving lessons are mandatory?
In Switzerland, driving lessons are not mandatory, but recommended to pass the practical test. It is not the number of driving lessons that counts, but your driving ability alone.
What does a driving lesson cost?
The price for a driving lesson varies from driving school to driving school and from region to region. In Switzerland, you can expect a price for a driving lesson between CHF 80 and CHF 110.
The price is not the most important thing, but rather the interaction between driving instructor and student-the chemistry has to be right. This influences learning success and ultimately determines the number of lessons you need.
How many lessons are needed on average?
This varies greatly and also depends on how much the learner can practice privately. The average is 25 to 35 driving lessons. Your own motivation to learn certainly plays an important role here, as well as whether you tend to be anxious and your age.
Am I allowed to drive abroad with my learners permit?
No. The learners permit is only valid in Switzerland.
Am I allowed to drive on the highway with an L?
The law states that you may drive on the highway when you are ready for the test. This means: as soon as you have your test appointment and are ready for the test, you may drive on the highway.
Can I drive in Switzerland with my foreign drivers license?
A foreign drivers license is valid in Switzerland for 12 months. After this period expires, it loses its validity in Switzerland and must be exchanged for a Swiss drivers license. To ensure this succeeds, I recommend applying for the exchange at the road traffic office as early as possible.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
The driver’s license is revoked immediately or the foreign license is no longer valid in Switzerland. However, the candidate has the option to apply for a learner’s permit.
How long does the driving test last?
The practical driving test lasts between 40 and 50 minutes and is conducted at the road traffic office of the relevant canton.
What is required at the driving test?
You must be able to handle real traffic situations and show that you can also follow traffic rules. A forward-thinking driving style as well as driving dynamics are assessed. In addition, there are right-of-way rules, behavior toward other road users, economical driving, and also maneuvers such as parking, etc.
If I took the test with an automatic, am I allowed to drive a vehicle with manual transmission?
Yes. Since February 1, 2019, no distinction is made between automatic and manual transmission for new drivers. New drivers can drive with all transmission types-regardless of whether they learned to drive a manual car or not. No restriction is entered in the driver’s license anymore. Holders of older driver’s licenses can also apply to have the restriction removed at the relevant road traffic office.
Is the practical test or control test also conducted in another language, e.g., English?
No. The test always takes place in the respective national language, so in Zurich it’s in German.
Are there providers who offer the first aid course in English?
Yes. In Zurich, for example, there is sanarena.ch. They also offer the course in English.
How many hours does the first aid course last?
10 hours. It is divided into 2 days.
How much does the first aid course cost?
Between CHF 100 and CHF 180 depending on the provider.
Which learning material should I buy for the theory test?
I recommend downloading the app iTheorie and using it to study.
Can you also take the theory test in English?
Yes, the theory test can be taken in German, French, Italian, and English.
Do I have to be 17 years old to take the theory test?
No, you can take the theory test one month before your 17th birthday. The learner’s permit will then arrive on your 17th birthday.
How many hours does the traffic theory course last?
A total of 8 hours. The VKU is divided into 2 × 4 hours or 4 × 2 hours. This depends on the provider.
When should you attend the traffic theory course?
I recommend during the first third of driver training. The VKU must be completed at the latest before registering for the practical test.
How much does the VKU cost?
This depends on the provider. Between CHF 110 and CHF 280
What is the WAB course?
The WAB course is mandatory continuing education for holders of a probationary driver’s license. It lasts 7 hours and is conducted in one day. The WAB course must be completed within 12 months of receiving the probationary driver’s license.
Where can you take the WAB course?
There are various providers. I recommend drivez.ch.
