I took my practical driving test recently for the driving license conversion (category B).
I have read many articles during the preparation for the test, many of which were on this forum (there is one that is really comprehensive), so I will not repeat the procedure, the eligibility or what not. I'd rather share my experience of the actual driving test which I thankfully passed in the first attempt.
I drove probably +100 cars in the last 25 years of my life and in many countries (right hand and left hand sides, fancy and crab vehicles, towed trailers, in Urban, deserts or bushes), however for the fact that you have only one chance to pass the practical driving test, otherwise the consequences are too heavy to start over from scratch as a learner and having to do the first aid, the theory test in a local language ...etc., because of that the conversion test is probably the most stressful test I've had since my graduation!
I fully understand the feeling of those who go for their conversion driving test and it's for them I share this.
To start with, regardless of your driving experience you need a driving instructor in Switzerland, do yourself a favour and book one. I am glad I listened to the advice of a friend and booked an instructor, I would have sincerely failed the test if I went straight ahead by myself despite all years of driving experience, it's not that you necessarily need to learn how to drive, but you really need to learn the Swiss driving rules and tricks, believe me there will be always some that you've never heard of.
On the test day I went to the specified location, two examiners came out of the building punctually on time holding papers of the applicants names. I was standing next to my instructor's car which he advised to use it because it has the extra mirrors and all for the examiner to watch you.
The examiner and the instructor didn't make a long chat about my driving style as I thought, but it was only a 20 seconds greetings and asking politely if we can do the test in English based on my wish, which the examiner kindly accepted.
We jumped in the car (the examiner and myself only), he told me unless he gives me any directions, I need to drive straight all the time.
We started off, did few corners and we kept moving.
The examiner was accommodating and friendly (for the language part to say the least), but he was serious and professional at the same time, he was observing and watching everything I do and sneaking a peak at the speedometer, ..etc. So don't fool yourself if he/she was nice and friendly, they will do what they have to do, no question about that, and you should equally do the same from the first moment to the last moment.
The test took 45 minutes, during which we drove on the highway, the 30 zones (3 times in three different areas), double-roundabout, going to full Stop signs, approaching a no car or motorcycles zone in the straight-ahead direction observing the driver's reaction, and also doing reverse parking.
There were no U-turns, emergency brakes or identifying the engine compartment parts involved during my test (it is a case by case, don't take anything for granted).
My key take and what I can advise are the following: You are officially in the test from the first moment you get in the car (before you start on the engine), until you return back (after you secure the car and switch off the engine), don't ever assume the test is over outside these boundaries. In my case despite I almost knew I passed the test already like 10 minutes before it ends (it was just the impression, he hasn't said anything), however he was carefully checking the engine switch off sequence and only then he declared the result, so yes things can change in the last moment, take no chances. It was OK to slightly overspeed by a couple of kms/h in the 50 and 80 zones, but not in the 30 zone (never ever exceed 30 kph in 30 zone). He actually navigated me into 30 zones three times in the 45 minutes drive, I felt he was looking for 1km/h over speeding to shoot me in the head! So be careful. For once we exited the 30 zone, I didn't see the sign that refers to the end of 30 zones (the grey sign with the 30 strikethrough with double line), but I realized that now we are in a 50 zone, for a second I didn't know what to do because if I drive 30 in 50 zone it is a fail and vice versa is of course an immediate fail, so I frankly and honestly told him this road should be a 50 zone but I haven't seen the end of 30 zone sign, he said no it was there behind the tree, I asked surprisingly a sign with a crossed 30?! He said yes! I said I didn't see it but this road must be 50, he said yes it is 50, then I drove on 50. I was stupidly honest about it, and he was very accommodating to accept it and let it go, I am glad he did. From the above, don't panic if you make a mistake, some mistakes are small and tolerable if he feels that you know what you are doing, other mistakes are Gross and non tolerable, there is always the balance between the positive points and the little mistakes, so don't give up too early, try to make more positive impressions continuously. Go early a little bit on the test day and familiarize yourself with the traffic department area, in my case it gave me more comfort knowing the directions in and out, it is good to start with high confidence. The examiner is not going there with an intention to fail you, but to validate if you qualify or not. Relax and let it flows naturally, don't try to over master things because this is when you are likely to make mistakes. Practice, practice and practice. Those who drove for years have developed their own techniques and muscle memories and need more practice to change their habits. Don't expect to do things for the first time on the test day, practice before until you get it smoothly and naturally. Drive Safely, I heard many warnings of failing for underspeeding, while this is correct indeed, don't let that affect you in driving recklessly for instance, the key is to drive safe and confidently, try to strike this balance and to show that you are not scared of doing 120 on the highway or a 100 in a tunnel, but also that you know when to slow down, nothing wrong about that. Demonstrate and over show your awareness, move your head not only your eyes, look around, and in the right-priority intersections always show that you are really checking and expecting cars from there, it is not enough that you see, it is important that you show it. When we returned back and secured the car, he then told me OK that was your test, I felt like I was in a court when he pulled the paper out of his pocket and stamped it with that Red stamp, but he immediately said you passed the test, only then I had a big smile on my face.
Like I said the test experience can vary on a case by case basis, just do what you have to do and I am sure thing will be alright.
Those who failed the tests have always told Gross mistakes, avoid those Gross mistakes, drive confidently and safely and you should be fine.
Some of the Gross mistakes I can recall: Speeding in 30 zone. Failing the right of way (including stopping for someone and inviting them to cross when You have the right of way, not on the test day please). Not stopping at the pedestrian crossing while pedestrians are crossing. Underspeeding by a lot, or for example emergency braking for no good reason. Not coming to a complete stop at the Stop sign (for two seconds at least). There could be more of course, but this is what I recall right now from the back of my mind. Of course I don't need to tell you don't drive and text! But I mean what I think are common mistakes during the test.
I hope this can help someone during their preparation.
Good luck and safe drive.
BR,