The theory test is the first big hurdle on the road to your driving licence. Do not worry: with the right preparation and a bit of calm you will master it. You will find answers to all your questions in the sections below.
To pass the theory test first time and without stress, follow the «tips and tricks for the theory test»
01
How much does the theory test cost?
Depending on the canton, the theory test costs between 30 and 40 francs.
You will find more information about the costs in the blog article «Cost overview for the driving licence».
02
How many questions are there in the theory test?
The basic theory test is built as a multiple-choice test and consists of 50 questions until 31 December 2026 and of 55 from 1 January 2027 (asa), which you have to answer. Each question has three answers, of which at least one is correct and at most two are wrong. The various learning programs are built the same way as the test, and so are the relevant apps.
You will find a neutral comparison of the various providers of theory-test learning software and apps in the blog article Comparison of theory test learning software and apps.
By the way: this is how the theory questions come about
The test questions are drawn up by the cantons in agreement with ASTRA, the Federal Roads Office (VZV art. 13 para. 2). They are written by a working group of the association of the road traffic offices (www.asa.ch), based on its competence catalogues (asa, annual report 2024). You get 50 of them at the theory test (asa, exam format).
The asa licenses the questions themselves to the providers of learning materials; each of them only contains part of the questions (asa, learning materials).
At the link below you can test your knowledge right now and take a free practice test.
03
How many mistakes am I allowed to make in the theory test?
Until 31 December 2026, with 50 questions asked, the maximum possible score is 150. You can afford 10% error points. You have to reach 135 points to pass the theory test. A question answered completely correctly earns 3 points; every question answered wrongly or partly wrongly earns 1 to 3 error points (canton of Aargau).
To pass the theory test successfully at the first attempt, avoid these «mistakes in the theory test»
04
How do I find out whether I passed the theory test?
The result of your theory test must be communicated to you, and if you have not passed, reasons must be given, in writing on request (VZV art. 12a).
05
How long does the theory test take?
Until 31 December 2026 the test lasts at most 45 minutes (canton of Aargau).
06
Failed the theory test – can I retake it?
Unlike the practical driving test, the theory test can be retaken as often as you like (ch.ch). How long you have to wait before the next attempt depends on the canton: in the canton of St. Gallen there is no waiting period, in the canton of Zürich at least one day. The registration fee of 30 to 40 francs is payable again for each further attempt.
07
Registering for the theory test
Once you have submitted your application for the Lernfahrausweis, you receive written confirmation from the Strassenverkehrsamt of the canton you live in, which you use to register for the theory test. From 1 January 2027 you must already have attended the road-awareness course (VKU) for that (VZV art. 13 para. 1ter); until 31 December 2026 it comes only after the theory test, with the learner’s permit.
In most cantons registration through an online form is compulsory (ch.ch). In the cantons of St. Gallen, Fribourg and Graubünden you go to the theory test without booking in advance once you have received your admission. You will find the test dates on the website of the cantonal road traffic offices.
Registering for the theory test: your canton
The office responsible is always the Strassenverkehrsamt of the canton you live in. There you will find registration, dates and the fee (usually 30 to 40 francs):
- Aargau (AG)
- Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI)
- Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR)
- Bern (BE)
- Basel-Landschaft (BL)
- Basel-Stadt (BS)
- Freiburg (FR)
- Genf (GE)
- Glarus (GL)
- Graubünden (GR)
- Jura (JU)
- Luzern (LU)
- Neuenburg (NE)
- Nidwalden (NW)
- Obwalden (OW)
- St. Gallen (SG)
- Schaffhausen (SH)
- Solothurn (SO)
- Schwyz (SZ)
- Thurgau (TG)
- Tessin (TI)
- Uri (UR)
- Waadt (VD)
- Wallis (VS)
- Zug (ZG)
- Zürich (ZH)
08
In which languages can I sit the theory test?
In Switzerland you can sit the theory test in the three national languages German, French and Italian. The basic theory test is also available in English in, among others, the cantons of Fribourg, Graubünden, Neuchâtel, Schwyz, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Vaud and Zürich, but not in the canton of Lucerne.
09
How long is the theory test valid?
If you passed a theory test after 1 January 2021, it is valid indefinitely.
10
Is the theory test compulsory?
Yes, the theory test is compulsory for everyone. Unless you already hold a driving licence in categories A, B, C and D or the subcategories A1, B1, C1 and D1. In that case you do not have to sit a theory test.
11
Fear of the theory test
Are you afraid of the theory test? Then you are not alone. Read the best tips against fear of the theory test, briefly summarised, here.
👉 We have put together a detailed checklist for the road to your driving licence in the blog article «Detailed driving licence checklist».
👉 If you would like to know even more about the Swiss theory test, you can also have a look around at the asa.
👉 You can read how other learner drivers got on in Lara’s experience report.