I don't have a driving license right now, but I'm planning to get one in the USA this summer. When I come back to Switzerland, how should I go about converting it so it's usable here (would I even need to?)
Thanks!
Hello,
Do you intend the de-register in Switzerland and spent at last three months in the US?
Otherwise your new license will not be valid in Switzerland according Art. 42 Abs 4 and Art. 45 Abs. 6 VZV
I'm spending just under 3 months in the US, and I won't be deregistering in the Switzerland, so no
To avoid too many people going on a holiday and getting their driving license (as in some countries it is much easier to get one)
On the other hand 3 months are on the easy side. In the EU it is at least 6 months. Additionally, you have to be a resident in the EU state you intend to get a license for at least six months before you could even apply.
...which was exactly my plan. Darn.
Lucky us then, as some rules are different in the US.
Lucky you, as Lib for example is merciless with foreign drivers who endanger the locals.
I think even if he spent 3 months in the U.S. the license isn't valid in terms of straight conversion. When I moved here, I had to prove my U.S. driving history was more than 3 years in order to get reasonable insurance, and to avoid being issued a learner's license (which I was told involved further testing before converting to a regular license).
Sorry, you're the statutes rock star so I'm going from memory and I'll let you quote the relevant bits from admin.ch.
It is only one year before you become a resident (may be longer for insurance purposes) and you will not get a learner permit but a provisional license. No tests, just two extra courses, 0.01% BAC, and no serious traffic infractions in the two years since conversion date.