Road traffic

Learner drivers are increasingly struggling with the theory test

After the exam boom of previous years, the numbers returned to normal in 2025. However, the pass rate for the theory test continued to fall. (Archive image)

Keystone

The number of driving tests in Switzerland returned to normal in 2025 after several exceptional years. While the number of practical driving tests increased, the pass rates for theory tests fell again.

Keystone-SDA

19.03.2026, 11:01

After exceptionally high exam numbers in 2020 and 2021, the volume at the road traffic authorities has leveled off. This was announced by the Association of Road Traffic Offices (Asa) on Thursday. The increase at that time was due to changes in the law.

Among other things, driving from the age of 17 was introduced at that time. As a result, an additional year group was able to take the theory and practical driving test in these two years. As a result, the number of tests increased significantly in the short term. As expected, this was followed by a countermovement from 2022 with lower test numbers for car and motorcycle tests.

For practical tests, especially in category B, the numbers are approaching the pre-2020 average again. In 2025, the road traffic authorities counted 87,182 passed practical tests. However, this is still around 5,000 fewer than the long-term average, according to the Asa. Category B includes driving tests for passenger cars and is the most common driving license category in Switzerland.

Theory causes problems

However, the pass rate for the basic theory test for cars and motorcycles fell again in 2025. This continued the decline of previous years. The pass rate for the theory test in category M was also around the same level as in 2024 and still well below previous values. Category M includes motorcycles as well as certain e-bikes and e-scooters; the driving license can generally be obtained from the age of 14.

The picture is similar in the occupational categories. The pass rate for the theory test for professional passenger transport remains particularly low, even though more tests were taken in this category.

From 2027, the Federal Council decided to modernize the training for prospective drivers. The road safety course will then also cover the use of driver assistance and automation systems. Attending this course will then be a prerequisite for registering for the theory test. This should enable learners to apply their knowledge from the very first driving lesson. The aim is to improve road safety.