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Swiss Nothelferkurs First Aid Knowledge Quiz 2026

Before you can apply for a Swiss learner driving licence, you must complete a first aid course (Nothelferkurs). The course has no exam: you get the certificate for full attendance. This quiz helps you check what you learned, based on Swiss Samaritan guidance and the 2025 European Resuscitation Council guidelines. It is study material, not medical advice.

  • First aid
  • Switzerland
  • 40 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

Pass mark: No exam. The certificate is issued only after full attendance of the course of at least 10 hours. It is valid for six years. There is no time limit. It is run by Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) recognises course providers; cantonal road traffic offices issue learner licences. Practise here for free with 40 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the Swiss Nothelferkurs First Aid Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Who must complete a first aid course (Nothelferkurs) in Switzerland?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Anyone applying for a learner driving licence (provisional licence)

    You must complete the first aid course before you can apply for your learner licence.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    How long is the first aid course for driving licence applicants, including breaks?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At least 10 hours

    The federal course rules set at least ten hours, including breaks, spread over at least two days.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    Over how many days must the first aid course for learner drivers be spread?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. At least two days

    The course time must be spread over at least two days, in units of two to four hours.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    About how much of the first aid course time is practical exercises?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. About 70%

    The rules say about 70% of teaching time should be hands-on practice.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    How do you get the first aid course certificate for your learner licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. By attending the whole course; there is no written exam

    The certificate may only be issued after full attendance. The federal rules describe no written exam.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    How long is the first aid course certificate valid for a learner licence application?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Six years from the date of issue

    The certificate is valid for six years. If it expires before you apply, you must repeat the course.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    Which course providers may run first aid courses for driving licence applicants?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Providers recognised by the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA)

    Providers and instructors of these courses must be recognised by ASTRA.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    Which person can be exempt from the first aid course for a learner licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A qualified doctor with a diploma

    Doctors, dentists, vets, pharmacists and some health professionals are exempt.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    From when can you normally apply for a learner licence for a car?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. One month before your 17th birthday

    Applications are normally accepted no earlier than one month before your 17th birthday.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    What are the three steps of the Swiss 'traffic light' scheme for emergencies?
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    Answer: B. Look, think, act

    First look at the scene (red), then think about dangers (orange), then act: protect yourself, give first aid and call for help (green).

  11. Question 11 of 25

    What should you do before going to help a person at an emergency scene?
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    Answer: C. Check for dangers and protect yourself

    Never put yourself in danger. Approach only when risks are reduced.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    Which number do you call for an ambulance in Switzerland?
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    Answer: D. 144

    144 is the medical emergency number. 117 is police and 118 is the fire service.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    Which number reaches Tox Info Suisse for poisoning advice?
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    Answer: B. 145

    145 is Tox Info Suisse, the national poison information centre.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    Which number calls Rega, the Swiss air rescue service?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 1414

    1414 calls Rega. 112 is the European emergency number.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    When you make an emergency call, when should you hang up?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Only when the dispatcher confirms they have understood everything

    Answer the 'W' questions (where, who, what, when, how many) and end the call only when the dispatcher says so.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    A person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. What should you do?
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    Answer: A. Call 144 at once and start CPR

    An unresponsive person who is not breathing needs an immediate emergency call and chest compressions.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    How long should you take to check for normal breathing?
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    Answer: C. No more than 10 seconds

    Look, listen and feel for normal breathing for a maximum of 10 seconds.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    An unresponsive person is gasping slowly. How should you treat this?
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    Answer: C. As not breathing normally: start CPR

    Gasping is not normal breathing and is a sign of cardiac arrest.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    How deep should chest compressions be on an adult?
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    Answer: C. 5 to 6 cm

    Push in the centre of the chest 5 to 6 cm deep.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    At what rate should you give chest compressions?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 100 to 120 per minute

    Current guidelines use 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    What ratio of compressions to rescue breaths is used for adult CPR?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 30 compressions to 2 breaths

    Give 30 compressions, then 2 breaths, and repeat. Compressions only is also possible if you cannot give breaths.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    What should you do as soon as an AED arrives?
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    Answer: A. Switch it on and follow its instructions

    An AED talks you through each step. Keep interruptions to compressions short.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Where does one AED pad go on an adult?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Below the right collarbone, next to the breastbone

    One pad goes below the right collarbone and the other on the left side under the armpit.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    By about how much does survival fall for each minute that defibrillation is delayed?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. About 10%

    The ERC says each minute of delay reduces the chance of survival by about 10%, so get an AED fast.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    A person pulled from the water is unresponsive and not breathing. What do you start with?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 5 rescue breaths, then CPR

    In drowning, lack of oxygen is the main problem, so start with 5 rescue breaths before compressions.

What to know before the test

  • You must complete a first aid course before you can apply for your learner (provisional) driving licence.
  • The course lasts at least 10 hours including breaks, spread over at least two days, with about 70% practical exercises.
  • There is no exam. The certificate is only issued for full attendance and is valid for six years.
  • Course providers and instructors must be recognised by the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA).
  • Swiss emergency numbers: 144 ambulance, 117 police, 118 fire, 145 Tox Info Suisse, 1414 Rega, 112 European emergency number.
  • CPR for adults: 30 compressions 5 to 6 cm deep at 100 to 120 per minute, then 2 breaths.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a test at the end of the Nothelferkurs?

No. The federal course rules require full attendance for the certificate and describe no written exam. This quiz is only for checking your own knowledge.

How long is the first aid certificate valid?

Six years from the date it is issued. It must still be valid when you apply for your learner licence.

How long does the course take?

At least 10 hours including breaks, spread over at least two days. Most of the time is hands-on practice.

Who is exempt from the first aid course?

Doctors, dentists, vets, pharmacists, some health professionals and certified first aid instructors, among others. Your cantonal road traffic office decides.

Which first aid guidelines does the course follow?

Swiss courses follow the Swiss Resuscitation Council, which bases its course guidelines on the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) 2025 guidelines.

Sources

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