Driver's License

Driver's License - der Führerschein

Within the first year of living in Switzerland, you need to get a Swiss driver's license.  The process is slightly different than moving within the states.  To prepare - we needed to provide proof that we have been driving for over 3 years and get an eye exam before we headed to the Strassenverkehrsamt (it is like the DMV).  The eye exam unlike the DMV is done by a licensed eye care center.  Stephan and I were able to walk into a center in the local mall and they did the test right then and there. As for proof of driving for more than 3 years of course that in theory is not a problem - Stephan and I have been driving for, well, more than a few years. My license had been renewed last year so I had to dig around a bit and found out you can pay for your driver's records if you go to the state you have your license. A quick ten minute fix.

On Monday afternoon, I met Stephan at his office and took the tram a few stops to the Strassenverkehrsamt. Here is the amazing part - our new licenses  were in our post box on Wednesday!  I have never experienced government efficiency like that!  Quick and I got to check one more thing off our "To Do" list.

Another little bit of information, I found out, if you have a car, it needs to be inspected, but not at a mechanic but at the same Strassenverkehrsamt.