Learn to Drive in Bern
If you want to Learn to Drive in Bern, you will need to pass a driving test and receive a Swiss licence. The road to obtaining this runs through a series of exams and courses. The good news is that it’s easier than you might think.
The city centre is pretty easy to navigate and while some of the cobbled streets are a bit steep, you can get around quite quickly. Buses run regularly down Kramgasse, the main street that cuts through the old town, and there are plenty of stops at the major sights.
Most of the driving schools in the city are state-approved and have a wide range of teachers with different teaching styles. Choosing the right one for you depends on your needs and budget. Generally speaking, the best way to find out whether you are comfortable working with a certain instructor is to book a trial lesson. You can also ask your friends or colleagues to recommend a school they have had positive experiences with.
Vijitharan Nesanathan from the Start Drive driving school has been teaching countless satisfied learner drivers independently since 2017. He offers a wide variety of courses, including driving lessons (gearshift or automatic), trafficinstruction (VKU) and emergency aid course (2 days). His driving lessons are held in modern vehicles: Mercedes (A-Class manual transmission) or Tesla 3 (automatic).
At Munter’s driving school from Bern, you will be taught to drive by a father-daughter team in a relaxed yet serious manner. Their approach is flexible and you can also choose to take the practical training material with you, which reduces the number of driving lessons needed. Lessons are offered in German and Albanian and are carried out in their Mercedes (manual or automatic).
Depending on where you live, you may be able to exchange your national driving license for a Swiss one. In general, this is possible up to 12 months after your arrival in Switzerland. However, you must take a first-aid course and have an eye exam to be eligible. You will also need to pass the Swiss theory test.
For foreign nationals, the process for getting a Category B (car) or Category A licence (motorcycle) is identical to that of Swiss citizens. You will have to take a first-aid course, have an eye exam at an optometrist and pass the theory test.
After you’ve passed the theory and practical tests, you will receive a licence in your post. You’ll need to pay a small fee to renew it after three years. Newly qualified drivers must also complete a course on road traffic issues within the first year of passing their test. The cost of this is determined by the canton in which you live. Normally, it’s around CHF 250. Afterwards, you must be accompanied by an experienced driver for the first three years of driving. This is to ensure you can learn and hone your skills safely. It’s a good idea to book your first accompanied drive as early as you can.