More about category B

Automobile

Download the information sheet here and get more detailed information on category B.

Learning-licence

Application form

After completing the emergency helper course, you can register for the theory test. This is possible at the earliest 1 month before your 17th birthday. To do this, you must apply for a learner's licence from the relevant canton.

There is an area on the form reserved for the eye test, which you can have carried out by an optician or doctor.

Important information

Automobile - Category B

First aid course

An emergency assistance course must be completed before registering for the theory test. Doctors, nursing staff with a diploma, members of the army medical and rescue services and members of the civil defence with a 5-day introductory course in "Paramedics" and those who already hold a category A, A1 or B1 driving licence are exempt from attending the course.

VKU Sensitization course

Completion of the road safety course (VKU) is compulsory and only possible with a learner's licence. This means that the theoretical driving test must already have been passed.

The aim of road safety lessons is to motivate drivers to adopt a defensive, responsible and environmentally friendly driving style through traffic awareness and hazard awareness and to make the time spent gaining experience shorter and safer through targeted preparation for different traffic situations.

Category B

Motor vehicles and three-wheeled motor vehicles with a total weight of no more than 3500 kg and no more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat; vehicle combinations consisting of a towing vehicle of category B and a trailer whose total weight does not exceed 750 kg; vehicle combinations consisting of a towing vehicle of category B and a trailer with a total weight of more than 750 kg, provided that the total towing weight does not exceed 3500 kg.

Learning-licence

The learner's licence for category B can be issued at the age of 17. Anyone who acquires a learner's licence before the age of 20 must complete a learning phase of twelve months. The person must have held the learner's licence for at least one year in order to be admitted to the practical driving test.

Persons who acquire their learner's licence after the age of 20 do not need to complete a twelve-month learning phase.

Advantages of category B

Automobile

Independence

With a category B driving licence, you are able to move around independently without having to rely on public transport or other people.

Flexibility

You can use your vehicle to get to different places, whether for work, shopping or leisure activities, without having to rely on timetables or transport services.

Time saving

Journey times can often be reduced as you don't have to wait for bus, train or other public transport timetables.

Comfort

Travelling in your own vehicle is often more comfortable and you can enjoy your own music and comfort settings.

Increased mobility

Category B significantly expands your mobility options and allows you to travel more easily to remote locations that may not be well connected by public transport.

Necessity for certain professions

In some professions, possession of a category B driving licence is a prerequisite for carrying out certain tasks.

Emergencies

In the event of an emergency, whether personal or professional, owning your own vehicle allows you to react and act more quickly.

Personal independence

The category B driving licence offers you personal freedom and independence by allowing you to plan and carry out your own trips and activities without having to rely on the availability of other drivers.