Steps to a Driving licence

The emergency helper course is your first step on the way to a driving licence. You can only submit the application form for your learner's licence once you have completed this course. We offer the emergency assistance course in German, French and English.

You do NOT have to complete the emergency assistance course if you already have the Cat. A1 or A, or if you wish to exchange your foreign driving licence.
Find out everything you need to know about the emergency helper course and enrol now.

As soon as you have completed the emergency helper course, you must submit the application form for the learner's licence.You will need an eye test from an optician or ophthalmologist, which must not be older than 24 months.

You must also submit the application form if you already hold the Cat. A1/A or if you need to have your foreign driving licence converted. You can download the application form for the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn here.

As soon as you have completed the application form, submit it to the municipal administration of your municipality of residence (Baselstadt: Motorfahrzeugkontrolle, Clarastrasse 38, 2nd floor).

You must enclose the following with your application:
• Valid original emergency driver's licence (not older than 6 years)
• Eye test (not older than 24 months)
• 1 coloured passport photo (35x45mm

If you wish to take the practical test in a canton other than your canton of residence, you must submit a reasoned application to the motor vehicle inspection authority in your canton of residence.

In our theory centre in Basel, we have set up a separate learning room with learning computers especially for you so that you can prepare for the theory test in the best possible way. From Monday to Friday, from 16:00 to 19:00, an experienced driving instructor is always on hand to answer your questions. Find out more about our computer theory programme now!

As soon as you feel confident in the theory, register for the theory test.
You must register within 2 years of submitting your application. You can either register online directly at the Motor Vehicle Testing Centre (MFP) in Münchenstein or register in writing using the registration form sent to you. It usually takes three to four weeks until the test date.
The theory test can be taken in Münchenstein (MFP), Laufen or Liestal. 50 questions must be answered with fewer than 15 marks within 50 minutes. The theory test can be taken at the earliest one month before reaching the required minimum age.

If you already have a category A1 or A driving licence or need to have your foreign driving licence transferred, the theory test is not required.

Once you have obtained your learner's licence, you are authorised to drive a vehicle with an accompanying person (driving licence valid for three years and at least 23 years old). The learner's licence is valid for 2 years from the date of issue and cannot be extended. Anyone who acquires a learner's licence before the age of 20 (the date of issue on the learner's licence applies) must complete a learning phase of 12 months.

As soon as you are in possession of a valid learner's licence, but at the latest when you register for the practical driving test, you must have completed the traffic awareness course (VKU) in full. You can attend the road safety course with us in German or English.
If you already have an A1/A category driving licence or need to have your foreign driving licence transferred, you do not need to attend the VKU. The road safety course has been valid indefinitely since 2021.

Our state-recognised team of driving instructors will prepare you specifically and safely for the practical driving test. Find out everything you need to know about driving lessons at our driving school.

A valid learner's licence is required to take part in this course. You should already know the basics of the motorway and have practised them in practical driving lessons. Driving on a motorway pass is like a little adventure, highly recommended.

As a rule, the driving instructor will register you for the practical test as soon as you are ready to take the test. The test lasts a total of 60 minutes, including the technical vehicle questions at the beginning of the test as well as the announcement of the test result and the final interview. Anyone who obtained their learner's licence before the age of 20 must complete a 12-month training period before taking the practical test.

You have passed the practical examination. Congratulations! In the next 10 days you will receive your driver's license by post from the motor vehicle inspection office in your canton of residence. This is a temporary driving license for your 3-year probationary period.

The 2-phase course (WAB) is a 1-day course with compulsory content and takes place on a facility that is separated from traffic. The course consists of two parts and is dedicated to road safety and energy-efficient and economical driving.
The 2-phase course must be attended within the first 12 months of passing the driving test. A valid driving licence is a prerequisite for attending the 2-phase course.
Click on the link below for more information on the 2-phase course and to register directly online.

As soon as you have completed the probationary period of 3 years (provided your driving licence has not been withdrawn during this time) and have attended the 2-phase course in full, you no longer need to order a permanent driving licence. The driving licence will be sent to you automatically by post at the earliest 4 weeks before the end of the probationary period.