Ok, so I HAVE already read through some of the forums here about converting driving licence's to Swiss ones, but none of them quite answer my exact questions. I have a UK driving licence, BUT I have been in Switz for 18 months and haven't changed it over oopps! I didn't plan on staying in Switz for as long as I have, and am possibly staying another year or two again.
SO.... I know you're meant to change it within a year, but I have only had L permits, no B permits yet, and someone told me if you're on an L permit, then that doesn't count as your first year??? Is that right, or does the 12 months start when I entered the country, regardless of what permit I am on? I know it's not valid to drive,as have been here over a year, but can I switch it over, or do I have to start from scratch if I want to get a valid licence in that case then? With passing a practical test etc etc?
How do I find out about how to change licence or anything? I have no clue what-so-ever. I am in canton solothurn.
Start with the MFK in your canton - just go there to one of their offices or phone em up and ask, and they will tell you whether you can still switch without any tests or if you need to do something else.
I was in the exact same situation a few months ago... went in to the DMV equivalent and no problem, handed in my uk license which they send back to the UK to be held, only problem was I couldn't drive until my swiss license arrived, which the guy serving me said is not the case if you swap within the year. no worries tho the swiss license arrived 2 days later! too easy.
Thank you very much!! Perfect answer. I don't actually NEED to drive here, (which is why I haven't gotten onto it quicker! ) but in the future, if I do stay, or I rent a car or whatever, it will just be far easy (and far more legal!) to have a swiss licence! lol.