Do I Need the VKU in Switzerland? Your Complete 2025 Guide
Confused about whether you need to complete the VKU (Verkehrskundeunterricht)? Generally, it's required for all new drivers. But if you're exchanging a foreign license, you might be exempt. Let's clarify your situation.
The Quick Answer
YES, You Need the VKU If:
- You are getting your first learner's permit for Category A1, A, or B
- You failed your "Kontrollfahrt" (control drive) and must restart the licensing process
- You missed the 1-year deadline to exchange your foreign license and must start from scratch
NO, You Don't Need the VKU If:
- You are exchanging a license from EU/EFTA, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, etc.
- You are taking a "Kontrollfahrt" (control drive) to convert your foreign license
- You already hold a Swiss Category B license and are upgrading to A (and are over 25)
Do You Need the VKU? Find Out in 30 Seconds
Answer these simple questions to find out if the VKU is mandatory for your situation.
1. Do you already have a valid driving license from another country?
2. What type of license are you applying for?
What Exactly Is the VKU and Why Is It Required?
The VKU (Verkehrskundeunterricht), or "traffic education course," is a mandatory 8-hour training program. It bridges the gap between theory and practice.
📚 What the VKU Covers
- Traffic Vision: Scanning, hazard recognition, sensorimotor skills
- Traffic Dynamics: Speed, physics, vehicle handling
- Traffic Environment: Road users, weather, infrastructure
- Traffic Tactics: Eco-driving, fitness to drive (alcohol/fatigue)
🎯 Why It's Mandatory
For new drivers, practical experience is limited. The VKU provides crucial safety knowledge to help prevent accidents during the early years of driving.
Important: You must have a valid Learner's Permit to attend the course and receive your certificate.
Special Cases: Foreign Licenses & "Kontrollfahrt"
🌍 Exchanging a Foreign License
Situation: You have a license from EU/EFTA, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, etc.
Answer: You can usually exchange your license without the VKU. Even if you need a "Kontrollfahrt" (test drive), the VKU is waived if you pass.
🚗 What is a "Kontrollfahrt"?
Situation: You need to pass a test drive to exchange your license (e.g., from South America, Asia, Africa).
Answer: This is a practical driving test. No VKU is required to take it. However, if you fail, you must restart the entire process (Theory, Learner's Permit, VKU, Exam).
🤔 Can I do the VKU voluntarily?
Situation: You want to prepare for your Kontrollfahrt.
Answer: You can, but we don't recommend it. We cannot issue a certificate without a Swiss Learner's Permit. If you fail the Kontrollfahrt and restart, you might have to repeat the VKU. Better: Take driving lessons.
🇬🇧 I Have a UK License (Post-Brexit)
Situation: You have a UK driving license.
Answer: UK licenses can generally be exchanged without a test drive and without VKU. Check with your local road traffic office for the latest rules.
👴 I'm Over 70. Do I Still Need VKU?
Situation: You're a senior citizen getting a Swiss license for the first time.
Answer: Age doesn't exempt you from the VKU. If you're a first-time applicant (or restarting after a failed exchange), the VKU is still required.
🚚 I Want a Truck (Category C) License
Situation: You're applying for a Category C (truck) or D (bus) license.
Answer: The VKU is not required for Category C or D licenses. However, you may need other specialized courses (e.g., CZV).
When Should I Take the VKU?
Timing matters! Here's the ideal sequence for completing your Swiss driving license requirements.
Complete First Aid Course & Vision Test
These are prerequisites for applying for your learner's permit. Need a course? Check out our First Aid Course in English.
Pass the Theory Test
Once you pass, you'll receive your Swiss Learner's Permit (Lernfahrausweis). Prepare for the theory test here.
Complete the VKU ← You Are Here!
Ideal timing: Right after getting your learner's permit. This allows you to apply the VKU knowledge during your driving lessons.
Legal requirement: You must have completed the VKU before you can register for the practical driving exam.
Take Driving Lessons
Practice what you learned in the VKU with a certified instructor. We offer driving lessons in English on Teslas.
Pass the Practical Driving Exam
Congratulations—you have your Swiss driving license!
Ready to Complete Your VKU in English?
Now that you know you need the VKU, let's get it done! Our English-speaking VKU course makes the process easy and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the VKU in Switzerland?
Yes, if you are acquiring a learner's permit for Category A1, A, or B for the first time. It is a mandatory part of the process.
However, if you are exchanging a foreign license (e.g., EU/EFTA, USA, Japan) within 1 year of arrival, the VKU is usually not required, even if you have to do a "Kontrollfahrt".
Can I do the VKU voluntarily to prepare for my "Kontrollfahrt"?
You can, but we do not recommend it for this purpose. Here is why:
- We cannot issue a valid VKU certificate because you don't have a Swiss learner's permit yet.
- The VKU focuses on traffic theory and hazard perception, while the "Kontrollfahrt" tests your practical driving skills.
- If you fail the "Kontrollfahrt", you must restart the process (Theory -> Learner's Permit -> VKU -> Exam). In that case, you would likely need to repeat the VKU to get the certificate registered correctly.
Our recommendation: Book private driving lessons to prepare specifically for the "Kontrollfahrt".
Do I need the VKU if I'm exchanging my foreign license?
Most of the time: No.
- EU/EFTA & some other countries (USA, Japan, etc.): Direct exchange, no VKU.
- Other countries (within 1 year): You need a "Kontrollfahrt", but usually NO VKU.
- Exception: If you fail the "Kontrollfahrt" or miss the 1-year deadline, you must start from scratch. Then, the VKU becomes mandatory.
Is there a VKU exam or test at the end?
No! The VKU is a course, not an exam. You simply need to attend both 4-hour sessions (8 hours total), and you'll receive your official certificate at the end. There's no final test.
Can I take the VKU before passing the theory test?
Technically, yes—you don't need your learner's permit to attend the VKU. However, it's highly recommended to pass the theory test first, as you'll understand the VKU content better if you already have basic traffic knowledge.
How long is the VKU certificate valid?
Since January 1, 2021, the VKU certificate never expires. Once you complete the course, your certificate is valid indefinitely throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Can I take the VKU in English?
Yes! We offer the VKU 100% in English in Zurich. The entire course—instruction, materials, videos, and certificate—is in English, making it perfect for expats and international residents.
Now You Know: The VKU Is Your Next Step!
Don't let the VKU be a roadblock to your Swiss driving license. Complete it in English with us—it's easy, it's required, and it's done in just 2 days.
Register for VKU English NowQuestions? Contact us or call +41 41 219 36 60