Vehicle Categories, Licence Classes and Driver Licensing Requirements
Domain 2 tests the Swiss licensing system (VZV, SR 741.51): which vehicle needs which category, minimum ages, medical requirements, the professional driver qualification and licence validity.
Categories
- Category D: motor vehicles for passenger transport with more than eight seats besides the driver's seat.
- D1: the same, but at most 16 seats besides the driver and a maximum length of 8 m.
- DE and D1E: those vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg; a trailer up to 750 kg stays within D or D1.
- A minibus with driver plus 16 seats at 7.4 m is therefore D1, not D.
Requirements
- Minimum age for D and DE is 21.
- Before the learner permit: first-aid course (Nothelferkurs, 10 hours), theory examination, and an eyesight/medical certificate (Arztzeugnis).
- Category D licences are issued for five years; renewal requires a medical certificate, and the intervals shorten with age.
- Professional passenger transport needs more than the licence: a cantonal authorisation under the Passenger Transport Act (PBG) and the continuing-education obligation of 35 hours per five years for professional C/D drivers.
- Learner drivers in category D are accompanied by a licensed driving instructor.
Worked example
A sports club buys a 7.4 m minibus with 16 passenger seats and wants to tow a 900 kg trailer. Counting from the driver's seat, 16 seats means D1. The trailer exceeds 750 kg, so the combination needs D1E, not D1. If the club charges the public for trips, a PBG authorisation and the professional driver qualification are also required.
Traps that cost marks
- Counting total seats instead of seats besides the driver.
- Assuming a light trailer needs no extra category.
- Believing the licence alone permits paid passenger transport.
- Letting the five-year validity lapse and driving on an expired licence.
- Forgetting that a foreign licence must be exchanged within the set period after taking up residence in Switzerland.