Applicants for a category A, A1, B or B1 driver's permit must prove that they have taken a first aid course (Samaritan course). The course must have been taken at an institution authorized for this purpose and must not be older than 6 years.

Useful links:
Green Cross

Goal: Complete the application form without errors in all required parts.

Motor vehicles and motor tricycles with a total weight not exceeding 3500 kg and not more than eight seats, excluding the driver's seat; a trailer with a total weight not exceeding 750 kg may be towed with a vehicle in this category.

Vehicle combinations consisting of a category B tractor vehicle and a trailer with a total weight of more than 750 kg, to the extent that the weight of the convoy does not exceed 3500 kg.

Requirements:

• Minimum age: 17 years old
• First aid course: must not be more than 6 years old.
• Vision examination

Fill out the Form (link), sign it, make the visit to the ophthalmologist, attach passport size photo, original First Aid Course Certificate (if not already sent previously for another category), validity 6 years and copy of an ID. Send it by mail to:

Circulation Section
Center wing Monda 8
6528 Camorino

Useful links:
Ticinese Optics (otticaticinese.ch)
Ottica Götte Lugano (otticagoette.ch)
MV Ophthalmic Medical Office (studio-oculistico-mv.ch)

Or go to your local optician.
Then you will receive at home the documents to continue the process of obtaining a driver's license, as well as a 50.- invoice.

Sources:
OAC Art. 9 para. 1 lit. a
OAC Art. 10 cpv. 2
OAC Art. 11 cpv. 1 lit. a
OAC Art. 11 cpv. 1 lit. b
OAC Art. 11 cpv. 1 lit. c
OAC Art. 11 cpv. 3

Goal: I study the course material on an app or in a lesson in a comprehensive way.

To prepare for the basic theory exam, you can attend a driving school (link) or prepare independently by purchasing instructional materials (link).

Goal: I pass the basic theory exam at the exam center with a maximum of 15 errors

When you are ready to take the theory exam, you can go directly to one of the locations as indicated on the Circulation Section (link).

Please note: the exam can only be taken in one of the national languages (Italian, German, French), no more than one exam can be taken per day, and the learner driver's license will be automatically issued after passing the exam. Each attempt costs 20.

Source: OAC Art. 13

Goal: I safely apply theoretical knowledge in practical driving. I perfect my driving behavior in at least 55 hours of safe driving.

Congratulations! You have successfully passed the theory exam and obtained your learner driver's license!

The validity of the learner driver's license is 24 months.

Source: OAC Art. 15 para. 1

Goal: I completely understand the content of traffic theory classes in eight hours.

The course is mandatory and you must have a valid learner driver's license to enroll in it.

Sources:
OAC Art. 18 para. 1
OAC Art. 18 para. 2

Goal: I handle complex situations in traffic safely

Participation in the entire Traffic Theory (Awareness) course is a requirement for enrollment in the practical exam. If you took the basic theory exam before age 20, at least one year must pass before you can register for the practical exam.

During the practical examination, the examiner checks whether the candidate is able to drive a motor vehicle of the class corresponding to the license, even in difficult traffic situations, respecting the law and traffic regulations and paying attention to other road users. Dates for the practical examination should be set in a timely manner, taking into account the expiration date of the learner driver's license.

Schedule an appointment:
You can set an exam date in person on the Canton website or through your Master Driver. An agreed upon date can be changed up to three working days before the exam, but cannot be canceled. If you are absent, you will still have to pay for the exam.

Source: OAC Art. 22 para. 1

Goal: I will independently manage my driving in accordance with the law for three years.

Very good! But you're not done yet.

The probationary driver's license is valid for three years, during the first twelve months one must compulsorily attend the 2 Phase Continuing Education Course (also known as anti-skidding).

Sources:
LCStr Art. 15a para. 1
OAC Art. 24a para. 1
LCStr Art. 15a para. 1
OAC Art. 27c

Goal: To integrate new experiences into road traffic safely.

Continuing education lasts 7 hours and takes place in a single day, during which theoretical and practical aspects are covered in depth under the guidance of instructors. The additional training is intended to supplement the basic training already conducted as part of the mandatory courses for obtaining a driver's license.

Useful links:
TCS in Rivera (tcs.ch)
Corsi2Fasi in Osogna (corsi2fasi.ch)

Sources:
LCStr Art. 15a para. 2bis
OAC Art. 27a para. 1