Mar
I’m working in Switzerland and own a vehicle here. After 1 year (which is now up) I’ve to get a Swiss driving license. However I’ve run into problems because the law in my canton (Vaud) states that because I got my English driving license after Dec. 2005 I have to get a 'Permit de counduire a l'essai”.
I’m quite confused, does this mean that I’ve to take a driving test again here?? Any one who experienced similar problems, feedback/help would be greatly appreciated.
Answer:
Hello
Your problem has nothing to do with the cantonal legislation of Canton de Vaud. The problem is in the federal law.
The Road Traffic Act of Switzerland (RTA) has been altered a short while ago.
Here you’ve the new art. 15a of the RTA in French:
http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/741_01/a15a….
A cut-off date has been defined by the legislator in order to fix for which driving licenses the new law should be applicable. In other words: What's the starting point for the new licenses given to the applicants, because from that moment on, the licenses shall only be given 'on probation'.
The cut-off date is December 1, 2005. If your driving license was given to you after that date, your license must be considered as given 'on probation'.
The duration of this probation period is three years according to the law. The driving license becomes definite, when the probation period is over. During this period, there shouldn't be serious violations of the law (I'm not talking about parking tickets). Besides that, you’ve to go to a special course about 'avoiding dangers of the circulation better' and 'managing the environment'.
The big question is, when these 3 years do start.
After the issue of your British license or after the issue of your new Swiss license?
In my view, it would be discriminatory if your probation period would start after the issue of the Swiss license because, if your British license was issued in January 2006 and you'd get the three years from now on, you'd be a driver with 6 years of experience and still with a license on probation. This can't possibly be what the legislation is intending to do.
If this is what the police wants from you, you should see a lawyer and ask him about it.
Please let me know about this detail. I'm curious!
Answer:
i was here about a yr or so when i got my swiss license. i didnt have to sit a test. maybe it depends on which type of permit you’ve to be here. i have a B.. my original drivers license is australian..
if ur not sure, you should really inquire further. good luck
