Living in Switzerland · School and everyday life
Driving licence
Topic
To drive a car or a motorcycle, you need a driving licence (Führerausweis, often called Fahrausweis). Anyone who seriously breaks the traffic rules can lose it. The Road Traffic Office can then withdraw the licence for a certain time. During this time you may no longer drive. In serious cases you then have to attend courses or take a test.
An important reason for withdrawal is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. From 0.5 per mille you may no longer drive. From 0.8 per mille, the licence is withdrawn for at least three months. For new drivers and professional drivers, practically zero per mille (0.1) applies. For drugs, there is zero tolerance. Parking incorrectly or using the horn, on the other hand, only costs a fine.
Key terms
- Führerausweisentzug
- Withdrawal of the driving licence: the authority takes the driving licence away for a certain time.
- Promille
- Per mille: measure of the alcohol in the blood. From 0.5 per mille, driving is prohibited.
Exam questions on this topic
- When can a driving licence be withdrawn?Correct answer: B, for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs