The Nothelferkurs (first-aid course) marks the start of the road to your driving licence. Over 10 hours you are taught the basics of first aid. Everything you need to know about it is here:
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How expensive is the Nothelferkurs?
Depending on the course provider, the cost of the Nothelferkurs comes to 100 to 130 francs. Because the course content and the way it runs are laid down by law and are therefore identical at every provider, there is little point in booking the more expensive Nothelferkurs. So choose the offer that gives you the best value for money without hesitation. But take the classroom, the group size, the journey and so on into account in your decision as well.
You will find more precise figures in the cost overview for the road to your driving licence.
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Minimum age?
You have to be at least 13 years old to take part in a Nothelferkurs. Apart from that there are no further requirements to meet.
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How long does the Nothelferkurs take?
The Nothelferkurs consists of two parts. First there is a theory part lasting 3 hours, followed by a practical part lasting 7 hours. Every Nothelferkurs therefore always lasts 10 hours, no matter who runs it.
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What you learn in the Nothelferkurs
Under Article 128 of our Criminal Code, Switzerland has what is known as a duty to give emergency aid. It reads: «Any person who fails to come to the aid of a person […] whose life is in immediate danger, although it would be reasonable in the circumstances to expect them to do so, […] shall be liable to a custodial sentence of up to three years or to a monetary penalty». At the same time the legislator provides that you cannot be held liable for any action you take as part of first-aid measures, even if your own training and the means available to you were inadequate.
In the Nothelferkurs, officially also called the Nothilfekurs, you acquire the skills and knowledge to help someone whose life is in danger without delay. The learning and practising usually happens in small groups, in a varied and informal way and under the guidance of a trained instructor.
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What are the topics of the Nothelferkurs?
During the 10-hour Nothelferkurs the following content is covered:
- Recognising dangers at a road accident: securing the scene, rescue, emergency call (raising the alarm properly)
- Assessing the casualty and what to do next: checking consciousness, positioning an unconscious person, the ABCD scheme
- Resuscitation (chest compressions with rescue breaths), BLS (Basic Life Support), AED (automated external defibrillator)
- Internal bleeding, stopping bleeding and pressure bandages, HIV, hepatitis
- Treating burns
The topics of the Nothelferkurs are laid down by law and are therefore the same at every course provider.
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Is attendance compulsory?
There is of course an attendance requirement for the Nothelferkurs, and the course organiser checks it strictly. After completing the Nothelferkurs, which is confirmed to you straight away, you receive a certificate approved by ASTRA (the Federal Roads Office), with which you can register for the theory test.
At the end of the Nothelferkurs there is no test. As long as you have attended all of the teaching hours and have not stood out unpleasantly, there is nothing standing in the way of your Nothelferausweis being issued.
In the article «Nothelferkurs experience report» learner driver Luca tells you how a Nothelferkurs runs and what awaits you.
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Who does not have to do a Nothelferkurs
The following people do not have to attend a Nothelferkurs:
- People who already hold a licence in category A, A1, B or B1
- Doctors, dentists, vets
- Nursing staff with a diploma or certificate of competence
- Instructors of Nothelferkurse
- Other people who can show proof of training in life-saving immediate measures from a body recognised by ASTRA
- People exchanging a foreign driving licence
- Members of the army’s medical and rescue units and civil protection members with a 5-day introductory course in «Sanität» (medical service)
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E-Nothelferkurse
Recently some providers have also started offering online theory preparation, the eNothelferkurs. That is quite nice and may be a suitable form of preparation for the Nothelferkurs for some people. The theory knowledge is tested there too and certified on success. But it does not save you from attending the 7-hour practical part in person. We therefore recommend that you complete both parts of the Nothelferkurs in a guided course group, simply because the learning sticks better and it is more enjoyable.
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Which provider should I do the Nothelferkurs with
The range of Nothelferkurse in Switzerland is wide and varied. DriveLab offers the course in Zürich, Zug, Luzern, Wohlen AG and Romanshorn among other places – ten hours over two days, CHF 128 flat, certificate valid for six years (as at September 2026).
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Nothelferausweis
What do I need the Nothelferausweis for?
You need the Nothelferausweis to register for the theory test and later to apply for your Lernfahrausweis.
How long is the Nothelferausweis valid?
The Nothelferausweis is valid for 6 years and cannot be extended. If your certificate has expired, you have to submit a second learner drive application in the same category. In other words: back to square one!
I have lost my Nothelferausweis
If you have lost your Nothelferausweis, you can request a copy from the course organiser you did the Nothelferkurs with (within the validity period of 6 years from the date of issue). Only your former course provider can do this. They charge 30 to 50 francs for it.
More information on first aid:
Interested in first-aid topics? You will already find a few tips in this video. In the article «Nothelferkurs experience report» you can also read how others got on in the Nothelferkurs. And with this quiz from SRF you can test your knowledge in advance.
We have put together a detailed checklist for the road to your driving licence in the article «Detailed driving licence checklist».