All Swiss driving licence categories: the 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 13 different licence categories. Each matches a vehicle type, a minimum age, and specific requirements set by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO / OFROU).

Why does that matter? Because many drivers miss licences that would help them — BE for a trailer, B1 for heavy quadricycles and tricycles (from age 16), or A2 as a step toward a bigger bike. Often it is simply a lack of information.

Important: in Switzerland, a light motorcycle from age 16 is category A1 — max 125 cm³, max 11 kW — not the « B196 » car-licence add-on used in some other countries.

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 (driver included).

Minimum age: 18 (17 under accompanied driving).

The route: road safety awareness course (required before theory), 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 — from age 16

Minimum age: 16.

Vehicles: light motorcycles, max 125 cm³, max 11 kW.

Use: ideal for a first bike at 16 or as a stepping stone.

A2 — intermediate step

Minimum age: 18.

Vehicles: motorcycles up to 35 kW.

Access: direct at 18 or via A1 after two years without a serious offence — the usual choice for young adults.

A — all displacements

Minimum age: 24 (direct) or 20 (progressive).

Progressive access: hold A2 for at least two years without licence withdrawal.

Vehicles: all motorcycles, no power or displacement cap.

Considering a motorcycle? Our team at AZUL offers motorcycle lessons in Fribourg — see our car and motorcycle courses for availability.

CATEGORY B1

Heavy quadricycles and tricycles

There really is a distinct category B1 in Switzerland. It is often overlooked because it covers specific vehicles: heavy motor quadricycles (road-approved quads) and motor tricycles.

Permitted vehicles

• Motor quadricycles with unladen mass up to 550 kg (or 400 kg for goods).
• Motor tricycles up to 15 kW.
• Minimum design speed: 60 km/h.

Minimum age: 16.

Who is it for? A strong option at 16 if you want something more stable than a motorcycle (four wheels) or a tricycle, without waiting until 18 for a car licence.

Note: category A or A1 also covers these vehicles. If you hold category B (car), B1 is included automatically.

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 whose authorised mass exceeds 750 kg — typically a caravan, car transporter, or light farm trailer. Combined mass of vehicle and trailer must not exceed 7 tonnes.

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 common. If you own or plan a caravan, BE is a straightforward add-on to your existing B.

HGV

Categories C and C1 — heavy goods

C1 — medium vehicles

Minimum age: 18. Vehicles: between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. Use: large delivery vans, ambulances, some motorhomes. Can be obtained for private use without professional driver training (OACP).

C — heavy trucks

Minimum age: 21. Vehicles: all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (trucks, articulated vehicles). Use: professional road haulage. OACP (Swiss rules on admission of professional drivers) is mandatory for professional use.

PASSENGERS

Category D — passenger transport

D1 — minibuses

Minimum age: 21. Condition: hold category B for at least two years. Vehicles: 9–16 passenger seats (driver excluded). Private shuttles and small group transport.

D — buses and coaches

Minimum age: 24. Condition: hold category B for at least two years. Vehicles: buses and coaches without a passenger cap — urban, regional and touring drivers.

Note: as for C, OACP training is required for professional use.

TRAINING

TPP-B121 / TPP-B122 (FR) and BPT-121 / BPT-122 (DE)

For professional use of heavy goods and passenger categories, continuing training and certificates follow OACP rules. In French documentation, certified modules often reference TPP-B121 and TPP-B122; in German, the usual labels are BPT-121 and BPT-122 (wording depends on the programme and training language).

For professional transport, CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is the European framework often tied to these paths — confirm exact modules with your training centre for your canton and activity.

TABLE

At-a-glance comparison 2026

* Condition: hold category B for at least two years.

Source: FEDRO / OFROU / fuehrerausweise.ch — data for 2026.

TIPS

Which one applies to you?

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

• Age 16 and want a motor vehicle? → A1 (motorcycle) or B1 (quad/tricycle).
• Want a big bike? → A2 at 18, then A at 20.
• Caravan or heavy trailer? → BE is essential — do not take risks.
• Transport career? → C or D, and plan OACP training for professional work.

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, all motorcycle categories (A1, A2, A), and category B1 (quad/tricycle) — 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.

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

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