Half of all drivers fail first attempt at on-the-road test

Some cantons offer theory tests in English, but success rate low

Lausanne, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – Lausanne and Neuchatel are once again the toughest places in Switzerland in which to get a driver’s license, 2010 Swiss statistics on the success rates for theory and driving tests show. The figures are published this week by ASA, the Swiss Automobile Association.

English theory test pass rate 17 points below national average

The new figures also show that while the pass rate for theory tests nationwide is 67.4 percent on average, the rate for tests administered in English is 49 percent. The tests are offered in English by only a handful of cantons and are only 0.9 percent of all tests. They are offered in German, French and Italian throughout Switzerland.

This is the first year that the published statistics have also included motorcycle permit pass rates, as part of efforts to reduce the number of serious accidents involving motorcycles. The pass rates vary considerably for the driving test, from 83.6 percent in Bern to 52.6 percent in Zurich. Motorcyclists in Geneva had a pass rate of 68.4 percent while in Vaud it was 54.1 percent.

Motorcycle driving tests were recently improved, according to ASA, in order to put more emphasis on specific maneuvers while driving, to improve safety.

Vaud had Switzerland’s lowest pass rate for car licenses

The pass rate on the category B (cars) driving test also varied widely:

Basel – 66.6%
Bern – 69.5%
Geneva – 65.6%
Neuchatel – 55%
Vaud – 53.1%
Zurich – 60.4%