Awareness courses
Learn the rules of the road for greater safety
The traffic theory course is the last step before the practical test. This 8-hour course is compulsory.
In particular, it teaches you to analyze, anticipate and be alert to the various dangers that may arise when you’re driving. Once you have completed the course, you can register for the practice test.
📍 Location: Geneva Rue de Lyon 6
🕰️ Duration: 8 hours spread over 2 or 4 days
🧑🏫 Public: 12 Future drivers (cat. A, B, etc.)
📅 Sessions: 1 to 2 courses per week
Document required to register for the awareness course:
Copy of page 2 of student permit
A calendar to suit your schedule
The awareness course is a compulsory step before taking the practical driving test. In other words, it’s a prerequisite for obtaining your driver’s license! This is an 8-hour interactive course. This course helps you understand the dangers of driving. You’ll learn to analyze and anticipate them.
The aim of this course is to help young drivers see the dangers more clearly. It also teaches them good reflexes and road vision. As a participant, you will work in groups to analyze real-life situations, in order to make the link with driving practice.
Do you need information about this necessary step in obtaining a driver’s license? The Ecole de conduite Lémanique gives you all the information you need!
The awareness course has been valid indefinitely since January 1, 2021.
What they think of the Awareness course
Useful information
The awareness course, also known as road traffic theory, is the third crucial step in obtaining a driving license.
After completing the first aid course and passing the theory test, the awareness course is the last training 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:
– How to behave in the event of an accident
– The dangers and consequences of driving
– The right strategies for avoiding 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 towards reinforcing your understanding of the issues involved in driving and preparing you adequately for the practical test.
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 course 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 course, you’ll need to make an appointment with your driving school. The latter will then let you know which slots are available for future 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 course 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 safety distance management.
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:
– Maintain an adequate safety distance
– Adapt your speed to traffic conditions
– Anticipate 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!
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If you already wish to register for the practical test, you can do so via the button below:
Additional course information
Knowing the rules of the road
Participants are familiarized with the rules of the road and the various road signs. They also learn how to interact respectfully and courteously with other road users.
Danger awareness
The course focuses on potential risks on the road and informs drivers of dangerous behaviors, such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, fatigue, or using the telephone while driving. Participants are encouraged to drive responsibly and take steps to reduce these risks.
Environmentally-friendly driving
Environmental protection is a key element of the course. Participants are made aware of eco-driving practices, such as reducing fuel consumption, cutting pollutant emissions and using alternative means of transport.
Attention to vulnerable road users
The course highlights the vulnerability of certain road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Participants are trained to be particularly vigilant towards these users and to adopt preventive driving to prevent accidents.
Critical situation management
Participants learn how to deal with emergency situations, such as accidents, vehicle breakdowns or severe weather conditions. They learn how to keep themselves and others safe.
In short, this awareness-raising course aims to train responsible drivers who are aware of road safety issues and capable of adopting a driving style that is both safe and respectful of the environment.
The chain of traffic rules
All the rules and principles governing driving on public roads, such as the highway code, traffic signs, road markings and priorities. These rules ensure the safety and fluidity of traffic by standardizing user behavior.
Hazard perception
Ability to identify and assess potentially dangerous situations on the road (e.g. pedestrian crossing, vehicle changing lanes, weather conditions). This requires constant vigilance and rapid analysis to anticipate risks and react appropriately.
Sensory organs
Organs of the human body used to perceive the environment while driving, mainly the eyes (vision), ears (hearing) and sometimes touch (e.g. steering wheel vibrations). Vision is the sensory organ most used during driving, accounting for around 90% of the information processed.
Central and peripheral vision
- Central vision: A zone of precise vision, used to focus on a specific point (e.g. reading a sign, observing a vehicle ahead). It allows you to see details.
- Peripheral vision: A wider zone of vision around the central field, which detects movements and objects to the sides without looking directly at them (e.g. spotting a pedestrian on the side of the road). It is essential for an overall view.
Gaze filter
Mental process by which the driver sorts visual information to focus on that which is relevant to driving (e.g. ignoring an advertisement to focus on a traffic light). A good eye filter prevents information overload and improves responsiveness.
Eye techniques
Methods used to optimize the use of vision while driving, such as :
- Regularly sweep the road (front, sides, mirrors).
- Anticipate obstacles by looking far ahead.
- Avoid staring at a point for too long to maintain dynamic vision.
These techniques enable better detection of hazards.
Visual orientation
Ability to direct your gaze strategically to gather the information you need for driving (e.g. looking at intersections, checking blind spots). This includes adapting gaze to conditions (night, fog) and context (city, highway).
Multiple gaze
Technique of rapidly alternating gaze between several zones (road, mirrors, dashboard, pedestrians) to maintain complete perception of the environment. This enables you to manage several sources of information simultaneously and stay alert.
Partners in the road environment
Refers to all road users with whom a driver interacts, such as other drivers (cars, motorcycles, trucks), pedestrians, cyclists, and sometimes animals. Understanding the behavior and rights of these partners (e.g. pedestrian priority, rules for cyclists) is crucial to safe, harmonious cohabitation on the road.
Knowledge of the road
Understanding of the physical characteristics and specific rules of the road travelled, such as :
- Signage (panels, road markings).
- Speed limits.
- Road types (freeway, urban, rural) and their particularities (bends, intersections, work zones).
This knowledge enables you to adapt your driving to conditions and anticipate potential obstacles.
Road situational awareness
Ability to analyze and understand real-time road conditions and events, such as:
- Traffic density.
- Weather conditions (rain, fog).
- Behaviour of other road users (e.g. sudden braking, overtaking).
This implies constant vigilance to adjust one’s driving and make informed decisions in dynamic situations.
Ability to drive
Refers to the driver’s physical, mental and technical ability to manage a vehicle safely. It includes :
- Good physical condition (vision, reflexes, absence of fatigue or influence of substances).
- Mastery of driving skills (vehicle control, handling of controls).
- Concentration and quick decision-making in road situations.
Good driving skills are essential for reacting effectively to unforeseen situations.
Drive with respect for the environment
Adopt a driving style that minimizes ecological and social impact, in particular :
- Reduce fuel consumption (e.g. avoid sudden acceleration, maintain a steady speed).
- Limit pollutant emissions (e.g. use of fuel-efficient vehicles, engine maintenance).
- Respect sensitive areas (e.g. residential zones, noise restrictions).
This contributes to the preservation of the environment and the well-being of other users.
Tactical rules for defensive driving
A set of strategies designed to prevent accidents by anticipating risks, even when other road users make mistakes. These rules include :
- Maintain a safe distance to allow time to react.
- Anticipate the behavior of others (e.g., observe signals from drivers or pedestrians).
- Adapt speed to conditions (weather, traffic, road conditions).
- Be visible and predictable (use turn signals, obey the rules).
Defensive driving favors caution and vigilance to avoid dangerous situations.
Disclaimer: This document is not an official legal resource. Information may be out of date or contain errors. For official information, please consult legal sources.
In Switzerland, the road traffic awareness course, commonly known as “sensi”, is a compulsory step in obtaining a category A (motorcycle) and B (car) driving license. The course is governed by theOrdinance of October 27, 1976 on the Admission to Road Traffic (OAC), in particular article 15.
Key points:
Obligation
The awareness course is required for all Category A and B driving license applicants. It must be taken before taking the practical driving test.
Contents
The course covers essential road safety topics such as :
- Road traffic rules ;
- Accident prevention ;
- Raising awareness of dangers and risky behavior.
Duration
The course lasts 8 hours, divided into four sessions of 2 hours each. These sessions can be taken over several days, depending on the organization of the training centers.
Validity
As of January 1, 2021, the awareness course is valid indefinitely, allowing applicants to use it without time restrictions when applying for their license.
Organizers
The course must be run by driving instructors with official authorization to teach category A and B driving. Only these professionals are authorized to organize and run the course.
Revision in progress
The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) is currently working on a modernization of the awareness course. The aim of this revision is to update the course’s content and structure to better respond to contemporary road safety issues.
Legal references
- Ordinance of October 27, 1976 on admission to road traffic (OAC)Article 15: specifies the obligation to take the awareness course.
- Federal Law of December 19, 1958 on Road Traffic (LCR) General legal framework for the regulation of road traffic in Switzerland.
- FEDRO instructions for the traffic theory course.
For further details, please consult the official texts.
By clicking on the button below, you can view our presentation of the awareness-raising course, which includes the most important information.
