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 Information may be out of date or contain errors.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.
