All Swiss driving licence categories: complete guide 2026

Most people hear “driving licence” and picture one thing: category B — the car licence. Fair enough: it is the best known, the most requested, and often the only one people talk about.

In Switzerland, however, there are more than 14 different licence categories. Each matches a vehicle type, a minimum age, and specific requirements.

Why does that matter? Because many drivers miss licences that would help them — BE for a trailer, B196 for a light motorcycle, or A2 as a step toward a bigger bike. Often it is simply a lack of information.

Here is a clear walkthrough of every category.

CATEGORY B

The car — the usual starting point

This is the licence everyone knows. It authorises passenger cars and light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes total mass, with up to eight passenger seats.

Minimum age: 18 (17 under accompanied driving schemes)

In Switzerland, category B follows a clear path: road awareness course (soon to be required before theory, from the 2027 reform onwards), theory test, driving lessons, then practical test. The licence is first issued on probation for three years.

It is the foundation — and almost every other category builds on it.

MOTORCYCLE

Categories A, A1, A2 — three steps

Switzerland uses progressive access for motorcycles. You do not jump straight to a large bike — you move up step by step.

A1 — minimum age: 16

Light motorcycles: max 125 cm³, max 11 kW. Ideal for a first bike at 16 or as a stepping stone.

A2 — minimum age: 18

Motorcycles up to 35 kW. Direct access at 18 or via A1 after two years. The most common intermediate step for young adults.

A (direct or progressive) — minimum age: 24 (direct) or 20 (after two years on A2)

All motorcycles without power limits — the “full” bike licence.

If you are considering a motorcycle, our team at AZUL offers motorcycle lessons in Fribourg — see our car and motorcycle courses for availability.

TRAILER

Category BE — the often forgotten trailer licence

One of the most useful and least known categories.

BE authorises a category B vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg — typically a caravan, car transporter, or light farm trailer.

Minimum age: 18 (category B required)

Many drivers do not realise: towing over 750 kg with a B licence alone is illegal in Switzerland. Checks are real. If you own or plan to buy a caravan or heavy trailer, BE is a straightforward add-on to your existing B licence.

B196

Light motorcycle from a car licence

B196 is a little-known but very practical sub-category.

If you have held a B licence for at least three years, it lets you ride a light motorcycle (max 125 cm³, max 11 kW, power/weight max 0.1 kW/kg) without the full A1 pathway.

Main requirement: B licence held for three years + mandatory two-day practical training.

A strong option for urban commuting without committing to the full motorcycle track — popular in Fribourg to avoid city centre traffic.

HGV

Categories C and C1 — heavy goods

C1 — minimum age: 18

Vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. Suited to large vans, ambulances, some motorhomes.

C — minimum age: 21

All vehicles over 3.5 tonnes — trucks and lorries. Required for a professional road haulage career.

Professional drivers must also complete CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) training.

PASSENGERS

Category D — passenger transport

D1 — minimum age: 21

Vehicles built for 9–16 passengers. Some minibuses and private shuttles.

D — minimum age: 24

Buses and coaches without a passenger cap. Essential for bus drivers, regional lines and coach tourism.

Like C, professional use requires CPC training.

TABLE

At‑a‑glance comparison

* B196: category B held for at least three years.

Source: fuehrerausweise.ch — official Swiss driving licence portal.

TIPS

Which one applies to you?

For most residents in Switzerland, the journey starts with category B. Then, depending on your plans:

• Motorcycle → A1, A2 or A depending on age and goals
• Caravan or trailer → do not wait on BE
• Light urban bike without the full route → B196 if you have held B for three years
• Transport career → C or D with CPC

Budgeting everything? Our full guide to Swiss licence costs breaks down prices step by step — theory, awareness, lessons, tests.

AZUL

Start with the right licence at the right time

At AZUL in Fribourg we offer lessons for category B and motorcycle categories — in French, German or English, as you prefer.

Unsure which category to prepare first or how to plan your timeline? Our team can guide you before you even book a lesson.

View courses and book a lesson →

Question about a specific category? Contact us — we reply within 24 hours.