B121 licence: the path to professional passenger transport in Switzerland

In Switzerland, transporting passengers professionally (taxi, chauffeur, private hire / ride-hailing) usually requires more than a standard category B driving licence. The professional passenger-transport authorisation is commonly referred to as B121 (often linked to BPT requirements).

What is B121?

B121 is a professional authorisation for passenger transport with vehicles up to 9 seats (8 passengers + driver). It complements your category B licence and signals that you meet additional requirements for transporting people.

To understand how it fits with other categories (BE, C, D…), see our Swiss licence categories guide.

Eligibility requirements (typical)

• At least 1 year of driving experience (category B or higher), without issues
• Medical check with an approved physician
• Vision test (often not older than 24 months)
• Submitted application file with the competent cantonal office
• Passed additional theory exam (commonly including ARV2 topics)

Step-by-step process

1) Medical check and vision test

Most cantons require a positive medical certificate before you can register for the theory exam.

2) Additional theory

The theory part focuses on professional passenger-transport rules and (depending on the case) working/rest-time rules (ARV2). It is different from the standard category B theory test.

3) Practical training

After theory, candidates typically do focused lessons to prepare for the practical exam. Depending on your background, 3 to 8 lessons of 90 minutes is a common range.

4) Practical exam

The practical exam often lasts about 60 minutes and can include real-traffic driving, route/orientation questions and “customer-service” behaviour.

Indicative costs

Fees vary by canton, but the exam fee is often around CHF 200–400. Add medical/vision costs, training lessons and any learning material.

OCN in the canton of Fribourg

In Fribourg, the OCN is the competent authority for driving-licence matters. For certain services, the main site in Fribourg handles the process. Official information: ocn.ch.

After the exam: cantonal operating permits

Passing the B121 steps is key, but depending on the canton you may also need a separate operating permit (local knowledge, local rules, language requirements, etc.) to start working.

Helpful links (AZUL)

• Category B steps in Fribourg: step-by-step guide
• Swiss categories overview: full categories guide
• Contact AZUL
• Book an appointment (agenda.ch)

Image prompts for the article

• Hero: “Swiss professional driver, clean editorial look, 16:9, natural light, no logos, no text”
• Medical: “Medical check and eye test for drivers, Swiss context, documentary photo, neutral clinic”
• Theory: “Studying ARV2 and passenger transport rules, laptop and notes, calm focus, modern desk”
• Practical: “Driving exam scene with examiner, Swiss city street, safety-focused documentary photo”

AZUL: Azu-l.ch