Passing Driving Test in UK (long term student)

Transportation, Travel and Trips
1
Hi All.

my son is at boarding school in the UK (Swiss national) and will be able to start taking driving lessons in December. whilst i know you can transfer your driving license when relocating to CH within the first 12 months, i'm not clear on whether with him being swiss, he can take his test there, and then get it converted when he comes back full time in a few years?

He's been at school there for the last 3 years and has perhaps another 2 years to go...

thanks.

2
Nationality/Citizenship is not important. Same rules for all.

The regulations are explained in the ASA directive No 1 .

There in Section 312 we find

3

perfect - thanks

4
Hi,

This has made me think about our situation....

Son has UK passport and a C permit He now goes to UK university, home in CH during holidays.

So can he take/pass UK driving test and then convert it it to swiss driving licence?

Id like to get him the safest but cheapest route towad a driving license.

Thanks for your time.

5
He has to be de-registered from living in CH, otherwise no problem, my daughter did it when she moved to the US for 4 1/2 years.

Tom

6
No. If he’s registered as a Swiss resident, he can’t do his test in a different country. And I don’t think it’s worth losing Swiss residency for when Non-EU.

7
Yes he could. Please read ASA directive 1, Section 312. However, if he is back at home during the 3 month summer break it wont be easy.

Nevertheless, he could take driving lessons in the UK as they are much cheaper then here.

8
How can a C-permit holder be officially resident in Switzerland and out of the country for 12 consecutive months? Unless they put the C on hold - but they would still have de-registered.

9
I took my UK DL test last year after a year plus of pandemic delays. Apparently these delays/backlogs persist and getting driving instructors with availability, and test dates is quite tough. If you are thinking to do it in the UK I highly recommend arranging the written test ASAP and getting the instruction organised quickly. There are websites that can find you cancellation slots for the driving/ practical test that can help it go quicker but you really need to be over preparing in advance if that is the route you take.

10
Are you sure you're not misinterpreting the quote?

IMO "rechtlicher Wohnsitz" in CH refers to the time of conversion. The example documents make it clear that an actual change of residence incl. de/registration is at least the norm for the 12-month period abroad. Confirmation from the school/uni will apply where Swiss residency isn't part of the applicant's history, making it the next best thing.

That may work for OP's Swiss son despite still being a minor, the UK may see that differently (just a guess). But with a permit C I'd enquire ahead, making sure the permit can indeed be frozen and that there's no guardian necessary (or arrange for one).

11
I am sure I do not misinterpret the quote. Why? Because of section 332.

12
Safest is surely to take instruction in the country where he'll be driving most.

I wouldn't want my kid to pass a test in the UK in a RHD car and then immediately start driving in Switzerland in a LHD car.

13
If he is not there for a full 12 months uninterrupted, he will still need to pass the test in CH.

Tom