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Switzerland Driving Theory Test Practice 2026

Practise in English for the Swiss basic theory test (Basistheorie), which you must pass before you get a learner's permit (Lernfahrausweis) for a car. The first practice set covers Swiss rules: the test itself, learner and probation rules, speed and alcohol limits, the vignette and motorway behaviour. Later sets add rules common across continental Europe and road signs.

  • Driving
  • Switzerland
  • 250 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

The Swiss basic theory test (Basistheorie, category B) has 50 questions. Pass mark: 135 of 150 points (no more than 15 error points); each question has 3 answers and one or two can be correct. Time limit: 45 minutes. It is run by Cantonal road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt); common test standards set by the asa (association of Swiss road traffic offices). Minimum age: 17 for a category B learner's permit; because under-20s must learn for at least 12 months, the earliest full licence is at 18. Theory test from 1 month before your 17th birthday. Practise here for free with 250 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the Swiss Driving Theory Test Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    How many questions are in the Swiss basic theory test (Basistheorie) for a car licence?
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    Answer: D. 50

    The basic theory test for categories A, A1 and B has 50 questions. From 1 January 2027 it will have 55.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    What is the highest score you can get in the Swiss basic theory test?
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    Answer: C. 150 points

    The 50 questions are worth up to 150 points in total, so each question carries several points.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    How many error points can you have and still pass the basic theory test for a car?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Up to 15

    You pass with no more than 15 error points out of 150, which means at least 135 points.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    How much time do you have for the basic theory test for a car?
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    Answer: D. 45 minutes

    The basic theory test for categories A, A1 and B lasts at most 45 minutes.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    How are the questions in the Swiss basic theory test built?
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    Answer: D. Each has three answers, and one or two of them can be correct

    Every question has three options and one or two may be right, so read all of them before you answer.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    What is the earliest you can take the basic theory test for a car licence?
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    Answer: A. One month before your 17th birthday

    Without an A1 licence, you may take the theory test at the earliest one month before you turn 17.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    How often may you retake the basic theory test if you fail?
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    Answer: B. As often as you need to

    Federal information says you can repeat the theory test as many times as you like.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    You passed the basic theory test in 2024. How long does this pass stay valid?
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    Answer: B. With no time limit

    Theory tests passed since 1 January 2021 are valid indefinitely, unless a probationary licence is later cancelled.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    What changes in the basic theory test from 1 January 2027?
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    Answer: D. It has 55 questions and also covers traffic knowledge course content

    From 2027 the test has 55 questions and includes material from the traffic knowledge course (VKU).

  10. Question 10 of 25

    What is the minimum age for a category B learner's permit (Lernfahrausweis)?
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    Answer: C. 17

    Since 2021 you can get a learner's permit for a car at 17.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    Which course must you complete before you apply for a car learner's permit?
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    Answer: B. A first aid course (Nothilfekurs)

    A first aid course certificate is needed to apply for a learner's permit for categories A, A1, B or B1.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    How old may your first aid course certificate be when you apply for a learner's permit?
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    Answer: B. No more than 6 years

    The first aid course certificate is valid for six years.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    How recent must your eyesight test be when you apply for a learner's permit?
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    Answer: A. No older than 24 months

    The vision test may be at most 24 months old when you hand in your application.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    How long is a category B learner's permit valid?
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    Answer: A. 24 months

    A learner's permit for a car is valid for 24 months.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    Where can you use a Swiss learner's permit for car lessons?
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    Answer: B. Only in Switzerland

    The learner's permit is valid only in Switzerland.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    You get your learner's permit at 18. How long must you wait before the practical driving test?
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    Answer: C. At least 12 months

    Anyone who gets a learner's permit before turning 20 must hold it for at least one year before the practical test.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    What is the minimum age of a private person who accompanies a learner driver?
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    Answer: A. 23

    The accompanying person must be at least 23 years old.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    How long must the accompanying person have held a car licence?
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    Answer: B. At least 3 years, and it must no longer be a probationary licence

    The companion must have passed the car test at least three years ago and no longer be on probation.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    What must the person accompanying a learner be able to do at all times?
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    Answer: C. Reach and use the handbrake

    The companion must be able to operate the handbrake at any time during a learning drive.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    What learner plate must be shown during a learning drive?
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    Answer: D. A blue plate with a white L at the rear

    A blue sign with a white L must be shown at the back of the car on learning drives.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    When may a learner drive on the motorway?
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    Answer: A. Once the learner is ready for the test, as judged by the companion or instructor

    Motorway learning drives are allowed when the learner is ready for the exam; the companion or instructor decides.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    How long is the compulsory traffic knowledge course (Verkehrskundeunterricht, VKU)?
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    Answer: A. 8 hours

    The VKU lasts eight hours, usually spread over two to four days.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Under the rules before 2027, what must be finished before you can register for the practical driving test?
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    Answer: A. The traffic knowledge course (VKU)

    You must complete the VKU before you register for the practical test. From 2027 it must be done before the theory test.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    You fail the practical driving test. When can you usually try again?
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    Answer: C. After one month

    As a rule, you may retake the practical test after one month.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    You have failed the practical driving test twice. What do you need before a third attempt?
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    Answer: A. A driving instructor's confirmation that your training is complete

    After two failures, you need a certificate from a licensed driving instructor.

What to know before the test

  • The basic theory test for categories A1, A and B has 50 questions worth 150 points in total. You have 45 minutes and may collect no more than 15 error points.
  • Each question has three answers, and one or two of them can be correct. Our mock exam uses one correct answer per question and a 45-of-50 pass mark as the closest equivalent.
  • You can take the theory test as often as you need. A pass from 1 January 2021 onwards has no expiry date.
  • From 1 January 2027 the theory test will have 55 questions and include traffic knowledge course (VKU) content, and the VKU must be done before the theory test.
  • Before you apply for a learner's permit you need a first aid course (Nothilfekurs) certificate no older than 6 years and an eye test no older than 24 months.
  • If you get your learner's permit before age 20, you must hold it for at least 12 months before the practical test.
  • A new licence is probationary for 3 years, and you must complete a one-day further training course (WAB) within the first 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Swiss driving theory test?

The basic theory test (Basistheorie) has 50 questions and lasts 45 minutes. From 1 January 2027 it will have 55 questions.

What is the pass mark for the Swiss theory test?

The test is worth 150 points and you may have at most 15 error points, so you need at least 135 points. Questions have three answers, and one or two can be correct.

Can I take the Swiss theory test in English?

Learning materials exist in German, French, Italian and English, but test languages are set by each canton. Ask your cantonal road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt) before you book.

What do I need before the theory test?

Apply to your cantonal road traffic office for a learner's permit with a first aid course certificate and an eye test. After the theory test you receive your learner's permit.

I have a foreign licence. Do I need the Swiss theory test?

Usually not. Residents may drive on a foreign licence for 12 months and must then exchange it. Licences from outside the EU and EEA need a control drive (Kontrollfahrt).

What happens after the theory test?

You get a learner's permit valid for 24 months, complete the 8-hour traffic knowledge course (VKU) and then take the practical test. Under 20s must wait 12 months first.

Sources

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