The awareness courses, also known as traffic theory, is the third crucial step in obtaining a driver’s license.

Once you’ve taken the first aid course and passed the theory test, the awareness course is the last course you need to take before registering for the practical driving test.

Rather condensed, it lasts 8 hours and is divided into 4 blocks of 2 hours each, or 2 blocks of 4 hours each.

During this training course with a professional instructor, you will cover a number of important topics:

– What to do in the event of an accident
– The dangers and consequences of driving
– The right strategies to avoid accidents.

In short, all the data you need to become a responsible driver.

You’ll also learn how the vehicle works, so you can maintain it when you become a driver yourself.

More concretely, this course is an important step in reinforcing your understanding of the issues involved in driving and preparing you adequately for the practical test.

At the end of the awareness course, you will receive an awareness certificate. The latter, valid for 2 years, is required to obtain your driving license.

In fact, it’s only once you’ve completed the course, with certificate in hand, that you’ll be eligible to register for the driving test.

The awareness courses is specifically designed for people who hold a valid learner’s permit (category B, A or A1) and wish to take their driving test for a particular vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle or scooter.

To take the awareness courses, you’ll need to make an appointment with your driving school. The latter will then let you know which slots are available for the next awareness courses.
The course is run in a group, with other learner drivers and a certified instructor.

Throughout the course, permit applicants will be encouraged to share their experiences, ask questions and interact with other participants. You’ll have the opportunity to take part in interactive discussions, watch videos and hear testimonials.

The aim of group learning is to encourage the exchange of ideas and reflections on specific situations, all in a positive, collaborative learning atmosphere.

At the end of the course, the instructor will validate your participation. Once you have your certificate, all you have to do is register for the practical test within 24 months!

The awareness courses has several fundamental objectives. The overall idea is to help young drivers to properly analyze driving situations and read danger when it arises on the road.

Here are the key points you’ll cover during the traffic awareness course.

Adopting responsible driving habits when driving a car

As a new driver, you’ll learn the importance of courtesy towards other road users, as well as the need for patience and mutual respect.

This section emphasizes the importance of respecting traffic rules, the Highway Code and road signs.

Analysis of safe driving situations

This module will teach you how to assess and take into account various factors when driving, such as weather conditions, road conditions, traffic density and managing safety distances.

You will then be able to recognize potentially dangerous situations and react appropriately.

Anticipating hazards

This is an essential part of the course to help you develop your ability to anticipate dangers on the road.

For example, you’ll learn to recognize the dangerous behavior of other drivers, identify high-risk areas and take the necessary preventive measures to avoid accidents.

Identifying distracting factors

As a driver, you have to constantly fight against distraction, to remain attentive and alert to the slightest change.

To do this, you’ll be trained to identify common distraction factors such as cell phone use, multimedia system settings, food consumption or simply driving fatigue.

You’ll learn strategies to minimize these distractions and maintain maximum concentration on driving.

Learning to drive defensively

Finally, defensive driving is a key aspect of the awareness course. You’ll learn defensive driving techniques to protect your own safety and that of other road users.

This includes, for example:

– Maintaining a safe distance

– Adapting your speed to traffic conditions

– Anticipating the actions of other drivers.

More concretely, the overall aim of this awareness course is to enable you to become a conscious, responsible and safe driver. Three qualities you’ll be expected to demonstrate on your driving test!

By developing your theoretical and practical knowledge of road safety, you’ll be able to make informed decisions and help reduce the risk of accidents on the road.

Many driving schools in Geneva offer awareness courses. To make sure you acquire all the skills you need for your practical driving test, choose a driving school that listens, is available and is passionate about what it does!

At L’auto-école Lémanique, we are committed to organizing interactive and participative awareness courses, offering students a dynamic learning experience.

For our teams, it’s essential that students have the freedom to express themselves, share their experiences and ask questions, to stimulate their thinking and foster a deeper understanding of road safety issues. Your apprenticeship is our mission!

We strive to achieve these goals by offering comprehensive awareness courses and providing the knowledge and skills needed to create responsible and aware drivers.

Go to rue de Lyon 6 in Geneva, to book the time slots that suit you best and take your awareness course. Prepare for your driving test with our certified instructors!

Is the awareness course compulsory?

According to the DCR (Droit de la Circulation Routière) and article 18, paragraphs 1, 4 and 5 of the OAC (Ordonnance sur les Autorisations de Conduire), anyone wishing to obtain a class A or B driving license, or sub-category 1 or B1, must take a traffic course. At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate. It is required to register for your driving license.

How long does the awareness course last?

The road traffic course (awareness course) lasts a total of 8 hours. It often takes the form of 4 x 2-hour courses, or 2 x 4-hour courses. Condensed versions are also available for those in a hurry.

How long is the awareness course certificate valid?

To obtain a driver’s license, it is compulsory to take a road traffic course. This course must be taken within the two years preceding the licence application. This requirement applies to classes A and B, as well as to subclasses 1 and B1.

Who organizes the awareness course?

A qualified, accredited instructor will run the awareness course to provide the necessary guidance and instruction.