Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about VKU English in Zurich
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Course Details
Is the VKU course fully in English?
Yes! The entire VKU course is conducted 100% in English. This includes:
- All instruction and teaching
- Course materials and handouts
- Slides and presentations
- Video materials
- Q&A sessions
Our certified instructor, Dario Lichtensteiger, delivers the course in fluent English with a humorous and engaging teaching style.
How long does the VKU course take?
The VKU course consists of 8 hours of instruction, completed over two days (two sessions of 4 hours each).
Due to legal requirements in Switzerland, the course cannot be completed in a single day. We offer flexible scheduling with evening and weekend options to accommodate your busy schedule.
What will I learn in the VKU?
The VKU focuses on four main topics:
- Traffic Vision: Recognizing typical traffic situations early and reacting correctly. Understanding sensorimotor skills and how to train them while driving.
- Traffic Dynamics: Understanding the vehicle and the forces involved in driving. Learning the right speed for various driving situations and the importance of vehicle condition.
- Traffic Environment: Understanding everything that happens around the car—pedestrians, bicycles, streets, weather, and light conditions.
- Traffic Tactics: Understanding driving ability and the influence of drugs, alcohol, and medication. Learning environmentally friendly driving practices.
We use local video materials and real-world examples from Zurich to make the course as relevant as possible.
Is there a final exam?
No! The VKU has no final test or exam. Simply attend both sessions (all 8 hours) and you'll receive your certificate. The focus is on learning and understanding, not on passing a test.
What's the difference between VKU and the theory test?
The theory test is a written exam you must pass to get your learner's permit. The VKU (Verkehrskundeunterricht) is a mandatory 8-hour course that teaches you practical traffic knowledge and safety skills.
Both are required before you can take your practical driving exam, but they serve different purposes: the theory test checks your knowledge of rules, while the VKU teaches you how to apply them in real-world situations.
Registration & Payment
How much does the VKU course cost?
The VKU English course in Zurich costs CHF 159.- (all inclusive).
This price includes:
- 8 hours of professional instruction
- All course materials and handouts
- Official VKU certificate
- Modern classroom facilities
There are no hidden costs or additional fees. See full pricing details →
How do I register for the course?
Registration is easy:
- Go to our booking calendar
- Select your preferred dates
- Click "Zur Kursgruppe anmelden"
- Enter your learner's permit number (usually next to your address)
- Complete the registration form
- Receive confirmation email from "asa"
Tip: If your learner's permit number doesn't work, try other numbers on your permit.
When do I need to pay?
Payment is due upon registration. Registration is binding once confirmed, and you'll receive an invoice via email. We accept bank transfers and credit cards.
Can I register for just one session?
No, you must register for and complete both sessions (all 8 hours) to receive your VKU certificate. The two sessions are typically scheduled on consecutive days or within the same week.
Requirements
Do I need a Swiss learner's permit to attend?
While it's recommended to have your Swiss learner's permit before attending the VKU, it's not strictly mandatory for the first session. However:
- You will need your learner's permit number to register
- You must have your learner's permit before your practical driving exam
- It's best to complete the VKU after passing your theory test
When should I take the VKU?
It's best to take the VKU immediately after passing your theory test. This way, you can:
- Benefit from the VKU knowledge during your driver training
- Apply what you learn in practice
- Complete all requirements before your practical exam
Since the VKU no longer expires (as of January 1st, 2021), there's no downside to attending the course early.
What documents should I bring?
Please bring:
- Valid ID or passport (required for verification)
- Swiss learner's permit (if you already have it)
Optional but recommended:
- Notebook and pen for taking notes
- Water bottle
All course materials are provided, so you don't need to bring anything else.
Is the VKU the same for car and motorcycle licenses?
Yes! The VKU course is the same for both car and motorcycle learners. The content covers traffic safety principles that apply to all types of vehicles.
Certificate
When will I receive my VKU certificate?
You will receive your official VKU certificate immediately after completing both sessions (all 8 hours). There's no waiting period—you'll get it on the spot.
Is the VKU certificate recognized throughout Switzerland?
Yes! Our VKU certificate is recognized by all cantonal road traffic offices in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. After completing the course, you can register for your car or motorcycle driving test in any canton.
Does the VKU certificate expire?
No! Since January 1st, 2021, VKU certificates no longer expire. Once you complete the course, your certificate is valid indefinitely.
What if I lose my certificate?
If you lose your VKU certificate, contact us at info@drivelab.ch or call +41 41 219 36 60. We can issue a replacement certificate for a small administrative fee.
Location & Schedule
Where does the VKU course take place?
The VKU English course takes place at:
LAB Building
Lagerstrasse 2
8004 Zurich
This location is conveniently situated near Zurich main station (HB), just a few minutes away by tram or on foot.
Room number varies: Please check the screen to the right of the entrance for the current room assignment. E is on the ground floor, F is on the first floor, and so on.
How do I get there by public transport?
From Zurich Main Station (HB):
- Take Tram 4 or Tram 13 to "Escher-Wyss-Platz" (2 stops, ~4 minutes)
- Walk 3 minutes to Lagerstrasse 2
Total travel time: ~7-10 minutes
Is parking available?
Yes, public parking is available nearby (paid). Options include:
- Parkhaus Hardturm (5 min walk)
- Street parking (blue zone, time-limited)
We recommend using public transport as it's more convenient and environmentally friendly.
What are the course times?
We offer flexible scheduling with evening and weekend options. Each session is 4 hours long. Specific times vary by date—check our booking calendar for available sessions.
Policies
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Cancellation policy:
- Cancellations made 7+ days before the course start date may be eligible for a full refund or transfer to another date
- Cancellations made less than 7 days before may incur a cancellation fee
- No-shows are not eligible for refunds
To cancel or reschedule, contact us at info@drivelab.ch or call +41 41 219 36 60 as soon as possible.
What if I miss one session?
You must attend both sessions (all 8 hours) to receive your VKU certificate. If you miss one session, you'll need to reschedule and complete it at a later date. Contact us to arrange a make-up session.
How many students are in each class?
We keep our classes small with a maximum of 12 students per session. This ensures personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
Is the classroom accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes! The LAB building is accessible for people with mobility impairments:
- Elevator available
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Accessible restrooms
If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance at info@drivelab.ch.
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