Guide classic
Swiss driving licence categories – the full overview
Switzerland's driving licence categories decide which vehicle you may drive with which licence — from a scooter to a lorry. Here is the complete overview of every category, the minimum ages and what each one lets you drive.
Which driving licence categories are there?
| Category | Vehicle | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Motorcycles up to 125 cm³, max. 11 kW | 16 years |
| A | All motorcycles | 18 years |
| B | Cars up to 3,500 kg, max. 8+1 seats | 18 years (practical test from 17) |
| BE | Cat. B + trailer over 750 kg (combination up to 4,250 kg) | 18 years |
| C | Lorries over 3,500 kg | 18 years |
| CE | Cat. C + trailer over 750 kg | 18 years |
| D | Buses with more than 8+1 seats | 21 years |
| DE | Cat. D + trailer over 750 kg | 21 years |
What does category B allow?
Category B covers cars with a permissible total weight of up to 3,500 kg and a maximum of 9 seats (8 passengers plus the driver). That takes in most saloons, estates, SUVs and minibuses.
Category B also lets you tow trailers and drive three-wheeled motor vehicles, each under certain conditions.
| Also permitted | Condition |
|---|---|
| Tow light trailers | Up to 750 kg. |
| Tow trailers over 750 kg | Only if the combined weight of towing vehicle and trailer stays within 3,500 kg. |
| Drive three-wheeled motor vehicles over 15 kW | Only under certain conditions. |
Towing a trailer: what do you need?
Anyone who tows regularly should look at category BE. With BE you may pull trailers over 750 kg, as long as towing vehicle and trailer together stay within 4,250 kg.
How do you exchange a foreign driving licence?
What is required, and whether a test comes with it, depends on where your licence is from.
| Where the licence is from | Requirement | Test |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EFTA state | The licence has to be valid. | Normally none. |
| Country outside the EU | Often within 12 months of taking up residence in Switzerland. | In some cases a practical test. |
Your licence and buying a car at FlexiMoto
At FlexiMoto you will find vehicles for every licence category. Every car in our marketplace can be driven on category B. If you have questions about tow bars, payload or licence categories, our team is happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
Which driving licence categories exist in Switzerland?
Switzerland has several licence categories: category B for ordinary cars up to 3.5 tonnes, category A for motorcycles, category C for lorries, category D for buses and categories BE/CE/DE for trailer combinations. For most drivers, category B is all they need.
From what age may you drive a car in Switzerland?
You can sit the practical driving test in Switzerland at 17, provided you have passed the theory test and completed the compulsory driving lessons. Some cantons offer accompanied driving from 17, where the learner may only drive with an experienced person alongside.
Is the Swiss driving licence valid abroad?
For tourists, the Swiss licence is recognised in most European countries and worldwide. For longer stays abroad an exchange or an international driving permit is often required. Within the EU the Swiss licence is valid without exchange, as long as it has not expired.
Related guides
- What changes in 2026 – New rules for drivers in Switzerland.
- Winter tyre rules – What really applies in Switzerland?
- MFK roadworthiness test – Procedure, costs, checklist.
- To the vehicle marketplace – Find a car and put your licence to use.