Driving through Switzerland with German license issued based on license banned in Switzerland [closed]
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Several years ago I was a resident of Switzerland and attempted to trade my European but non-EU driver's license for a Swiss one. To do that, I had to take a road test which I unfortunately ended up failing -- you get only one shot at it -- resulting in an automatic driving ban and a fine (they charge you about 250 francs to put a sticker that says "Not valid in Switzerland" on your license).
In the meantime I moved to Germany, which allows driver's license exchanges for people from my country without any extra hassle. Consequently, I now have a German driver's license.
My question is: I get in my car and drive to Switzerland. The police stop me for whatever reason. Am I in trouble?
Best Answer
You, personally, have been banned from driving in Switzerland because they tested your skills and determined you are not a good enough driver to drive there.
You need to respect their laws and not drive on their roads.
Your driving skills didn't magically improve just because Germany exchanged your licence for theirs.
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![Driving through Switzerland with German license issued based on license banned in Switzerland [closed] - From above through scratched car front window of permit papers and rhinoceros statuette](/assets/images/driving_through_switzerland_with_german_license_issued_based_on_license_banned_in_switzerland_closed_1.jpeg "Driving through Switzerland with German license issued based on license banned in Switzerland [closed] - From above through scratched car front window of permit papers and rhinoceros statuette")
![Driving through Switzerland with German license issued based on license banned in Switzerland [closed] - Unrecognizable driver in retro car on road near urban buildings](/assets/images/driving_through_switzerland_with_german_license_issued_based_on_license_banned_in_switzerland_closed_2.jpeg "Driving through Switzerland with German license issued based on license banned in Switzerland [closed] - Unrecognizable driver in retro car on road near urban buildings")
![Driving through Switzerland with German license issued based on license banned in Switzerland [closed] - Contemporary white car decorated with blue World Health Organization flag and sticker parked on street](/assets/images/driving_through_switzerland_with_german_license_issued_based_on_license_banned_in_switzerland_closed_3.jpeg "Driving through Switzerland with German license issued based on license banned in Switzerland [closed] - Contemporary white car decorated with blue World Health Organization flag and sticker parked on street")
Can you drive in Switzerland with a German license?
You can drive in Switzerland using your foreign driver's license for up to 12 months as long as you are at least 18 years old. Once this 12 month period is up, you will need to exchange your license for a Swiss driver's license.Is EU driving licence valid in Switzerland?
If you have a licence from an EU or EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), you will be issued a Swiss licence without having to take a driving test. Your foreign licence will be returned to the issuing authority. For a licence from another country, you need to take: a driving test.Is German driving license valid internationally?
In the European union, you can use your German driving license. For any other country outside the Union you may need an international driver's license.FOREIGN DRIVER'S LICENSES in Switzerland (How to exchange)
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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