In Geneva, the practical driving test is an important stage in obtaining a Swiss driving license. To help you prepare for your driving test, we’ve put together a few tips to help you improve your chances of success. Find out everything you need to know to pass a Geneva practical driving test.
Practical driving test Geneva: Welcoming and guiding candidates
Firstly, during the driving test, instructors must greet candidates in a friendly and calm manner. This event should help create a relaxed atmosphere. Then they have to present the examination procedure to the candidate and explain how to give instructions to candidates.
Interview before and during the practical driving test
The examiner in charge of the test must create an atmosphere of trust between the candidate and himself. It must :
- Demonstrate a positive and respectful attitude,
- Create an atmosphere of tolerance, understanding and patience;
- Make candidates feel understood and respected;
- Motivate candidates (encourage, support, persuade and, in some cases, give positive feedback);
- Reduce the candidate’s fear and nervousness (exam psychosis).
Geneva practical driving test: Welcoming candidates
When the candidate arrives, the examiner checks :
- Student driver’s license (identity, validity, special conditions);
- Ability to drive (abnormal behavior, drugs, fatigue, eyesight, disability);
- The candidate’s protective equipment.
Geneva practical driving test: Assessing your driving skills
During the practical driving test, an expert evaluates your ability to drive a motor vehicle of the selected category safely, and to comply with the Highway Code. To help you acquire the necessary qualifications and prepare for the test, we strongly advise you to enroll in a driving course with a professional instructor. With this in mind, only one school is recommended in Geneva. AEL auto-moto-école, where you’ll find everything you need to pass your practical driving test in Geneva.
Register for the practical test
Once you feel comfortable behind the wheel, have sufficient driving experience and have completed the required training (e.g. compulsory theory), you must register for the practical test. Find a driving school nearby!
Practical driving test requirements Geneva
The vehicle with which you plan to take your test must be of the right category, in good working order, comply with all regulations and clearly display an L-shaped plate (white L on a blue background).
Practical driving test Geneva: Test requirements Subcategory A1
For the Geneva practical driving test, we recommend the following motorcycles in subcategory A1:
Subcategory A1 From age 16
- For normal combustion engines, motorcycles with a displacement of up to 50 cm3 ;
- Motorcycles with rated power or continuous power up to 4 kW, for other engines,
Subcategory A1 From age 18
Motorcycles with cylinders up to 125 cm3 and maximum performance of 11 kW
Admission requirements
- Valid A1 student driver’s license;
- CTC course completed
- IPB motorcycle courses
Vehicle and driver preparation
Before taking the Geneva practical driving test, we recommend that you :
- Equip yourself with: helmet, clothing, gloves, boots for motorcyclists;
- Check: tires, braking system, steering, emergency switch; gearbox system, rearview mirror, oil level, lighting, direction indicator and horn
- Adapting to weather conditions
- Follow the instruction manual for each vehicle when starting up.
Practical driving test Geneva: Category A1 test requirements
For the Geneva practical driving test, we recommend the following motorcycles in category A
Category A Limited From age 18
Motorcycles whose engine power does not exceed 35 kW and whose power/unladen weight ratio does not exceed 0.20 kW/kg.
Category A, 2 years of practice or from age 25
- A motorcycle without a sidecar, but equipped with two seats, with at least 35 KW of power;
- Motorcycles equipped with electric motors with a power/unladen weight ratio of at least 0.25 kW / kg, with a maximum rated power of 35 kW ;
- On the other hand, motorcycles that have two wheels but are considered to be single-wheeled are not authorized as test vehicles.
Admission requirements
- A valid student driver’s license
- CTC course completed
- IPB motorcycle courses
Practical driving test Geneva: Test requirements Category B and subcategory B1
For the Geneva practical driving test, we recommend the following vehicles in category B and subcategory B1
Category B and subcategory B1 From age 18
Recommended for cars whose total weight does not exceed 3,500 kg; the number of seats does not exceed 8, with the exception of the driver’s seat. For Sub-Class B1 (18 years and over), Quadricycles and motor tricycles with an unladen weight not exceeding 550 kg are ideal.
Admission requirements
- Valid student driver’s license class B / subclass B1
- CTC course completed
Examiner evaluation
When making a decision, an examiner must take into account the overall impression, traffic density and difficulty. In the course of the assessment, the criteria of training and traffic flow must also be taken into account. In order to achieve as uniform an assessment as possible, errors and misbehaviors are divided into three categories: serious type I errors, serious type II errors, moderately serious type III errors, and minor errors are still required to assess their specific context. Once you’ve passed the test, you’ll be issued a driver’s license.
Procedure after unsuccessful practical driving test attempts
If you fail the test, you can usually retake it after one month. For further information, please contact your cantonalroad traffic office. After the second unsuccessful attempt, you provide a certificate from a recognized driving instructor attesting that you have completed your training.
If you fail the Geneva practical driving test on your third attempt, you will be required to take a driving aptitude test before being allowed to take another test. Your cantonal road traffic office will direct you to the appropriate service. If you fail this test, your provisional license is no longer valid. The legal basis for this measure is provided by the Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance.
After the fourth unsuccessful attempt at your driving test, or if you do not pass the driving aptitude test taken after your third attempt, you can only take another test if you receive a positive psychological assessment of your ability to drive.
Tips for passing your practical driving test in Geneva
Choosing a qualified driving school
To give yourself the best chance of obtaining your driving license, we advise you to choose your driving school carefully. With Moto auto-école Lémanique, we guarantee quality courses that adapt to your pace. With this school, your success at the Geneva practical driving test is guaranteed in Switzerland.
Choose the right vehicle
When it comes to testing, choose according to vehicle model. For a pleasant drive, it’s essential to select comfortable, recent vehicles that are regularly maintained for efficient city driving.
Practice a driving session before your practical test
We recommend that you take driving lessons before taking the test in Geneva. To increase your chances of success, we strongly recommend that you take a vehicle with you to practice driving. Knowing your vehicle, you can ensure a quiet, well-prepared drive. In short, taking a Geneva driving test with your vehicle will reduce stress and boost your confidence.
Conclusion
Now we’re sure you have the basic requirements to pass a Geneva driving test. Do you need a Swiss driver’s license? Or have you failed your driving test several times? Our team of qualified instructors will provide you with quality driving service hours according to your learning progress. At theEcole de conduite Lémanique, all our instructors are officially recognized by the Office cantonal des véhicules.
To help you pass the Geneva practical driving test and get your driving license, we offer training courses to suit your needs. Please contact us for more information. We look forward to embarking on this adventure with you. Join us on the road to success!