Information for learner drivers Motorcycle practice cat. A – A1 in Geneva

The learner’s permit is issued for 4 months, and can be extended for a further 12 months once the basic motorcycle courses have been completed with an approved driving instructor.

LEARNING RACES

On a motorcycle, learner drivers may not carry passengers who do not themselves hold the corresponding driving license. Motorcycles must be fitted with a white “L” on a blue background at the rear during training runs and for the test.

PRACTICAL TEST

Prerequisite

Candidates may only register for the practical examination under the following conditions:

• have passed the theory test (not applicable to B or B1 license holders);
• have completed an 8-hour traffic theory course with an approved driving instructor (not applicable to holders of B or B1 driving licenses). The certificate is valid for 2 years;
• have completed, within a maximum of 4 months of the issue of the learner’s permit, 12 hours of basic practical instruction for category A (6 hours if already in possession of an A1 driving license) or 8 hours for sub-category A1 with an approved driving instructor.

Exam registration

Once the driving theory course has been validated by the approved instructor, the candidate can register for the practical test online at www.ge.ch/vehicules under “Rendez-vous pour examen théorique + pratique” or at the driving license counter. Examination appointments cannot be booked by telephone.

When booking an appointment, please allow four to six weeks until the examination date.

Withdrawal

Appointment cancellations must be made at least 96 hours in advance (4 working days).

Otherwise, the examination fee remains payable. The same applies in the event of departure due to the candidate (e.g. candidate’s lateness, non-compliant vehicle, etc.).

Review

On the day of the test, candidates will take their seats in the area indicated by the “PRACTICAL EXAMINATION” sign, after depositing their learner’s permit and, if applicable, their driver’s license in the letterbox provided.

Examinations are conducted in groups of several candidates, who are driven from the meeting point to the “maneuvers” area. It is imperative that candidates arrive at the examination 5 minutes before the time indicated on the invitation.

Vehicles accepted for examination

A motorcycle in perfect condition (tire profile > 1.6 mm, brakes, lights, rear-view mirror, speedometer, etc.), with 2 wheels. Motorcycles with twin wheels are not allowed.

Vehicles with automatic transmissions (scooters) are accepted for the test, and also give the right to drive vehicles with mechanical transmissions in the corresponding licence category.

EQUIPMENT

In accordance with the requirements of Appendix 12||| B of the Ordinance governing the admission to road traffic (OAC).

For your own safety, the rider must wear protective motorcycle gear that fully covers the skin:

• approved helmet (R22 – E13)
• jacket ✓ long pants
• heavy-duty gloves
• closed shoes

If the equipment is deemed insufficient, the candidate will not be admitted to the examination and the fee will remain payable.

Once the maneuvers have been completed, the test continues with a drive in traffic. If you lose control of the vehicle, the test will be interrupted and counted as a failure.

If you fail the exam

First failure

Once they have completed their training, candidates can reapply for the exam. The category fee (CHF 90, subject to change) must be paid when registering for the new exam.

Second failure

Anyone who fails the practical test twice can only be admitted to a new practical test if he or she submits a certificate from a driving instructor certifying that his or her driver training has been completed. The category fee (CHF 90, subject to change) must be paid when registering for the new exam.

Third failure

If the learner’s permit is still valid, the applicant can only be admitted to a new test following a positive driver’s aptitude test. The category fee (CHF 90, subject to change) must be paid when registering for the new exam.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IS PROHIBITED!

The ZERO per THOUSAND (%) value must be respected for :

• Student drivers;
• Accompanying adults on training runs;
• New drivers with a probationary licence;
• Driving school instructors;
• Professional drivers.

We hope you find this information useful, and recommend that you only sit the exams once you have completed your training.

For more information, visit www.lepermisdeconduire.ch

Source: Office cantonal des véhicules Genève