Individuals who cannot pass the Swiss driving exam may be referred to a psychologist due to potential underlying psychological issues affecting their ability to drive safely.
In Switzerland, when a driver repeatedly fails the driving test or commits serious traffic offenses, a psychological evaluation may be required to assess their fitness to drive. This evaluation, often referred to as a traffic psychology test, examines the driver's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral capacity to operate a vehicle safely.
The process and requirements for these evaluations can vary by canton. Generally, the driver may be mandated by authorities to undergo the psychological test if they fail the driving test multiple times or commit offenses such as hit-and-run or excessive speeding.
The evaluation is administered by qualified traffic psychologists who assess various aspects of driving-related behavior and mental fitness. Passing the psychological evaluation is often a prerequisite to regain or obtain the driver’s license following repeated failures or license withdrawal.
The evaluation may involve interviews, standardized psychological tests, and an assessment of the driver’s ability to handle driving situations safely. The goal of the psychological test is to determine a "reasonable and responsible" attitude toward road traffic.
The entire process, including the test and interview, usually lasts between two and three hours. The cost of the evaluation varies by canton, ranging from 900 to 1,600 francs.
In the French-speaking part of Switzerland, the Traffic Medicine and Psychology Unit at the Geneva and Vaud university hospitals (HUG and CHUV) are responsible for these evaluations. In Zurich, the Traffic Medicine division of the Zurich University conducts the tests.
If a contraindication is found during the test, the person will not be permitted to drive in Switzerland. It's important to note that some countries have a reciprocal recognition programme with Switzerland for licence swapping, while others require the Swiss practical driving test or both theory and practical tests.
In Switzerland, if a person fails their driving test three times, they are required to undergo a brain function assessment. The assessment includes tests for visual perception, attention, concentration, reaction behavior, and hand-eye coordination.
The purpose of these assessments is not to stigmatize but to ensure safe driving. The brain function assessment is designed to test cognitive fitness for operating a vehicle, and the psychological examination uses a specially designed computerized testing system.
After 12 months, foreigners must swap their licence for a Swiss one, with exceptions for diplomats. After a fourth failure, a learner's license is no longer valid, and to retake the driving test, driving lessons will need to be redone, which can cost on average between 2,000 and 3,000 francs.
In summary, the psychological evaluation plays a crucial role in ensuring that only mentally and behaviorally fit individuals are allowed to drive in Switzerland. The process and criteria for these evaluations may vary by canton, but the overall goal is to ensure the driver is mentally and behaviorally fit to drive safely before allowing them to retake the test or regain driving privileges.
Science and mental health are integrated in the Swiss driving evaluation process, as drivers are assessed for their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral ability to drive safely. Therapies and treatments may be recommended if a contraindication is found during the evaluation, to ensure a "reasonable and responsible" attitude towards road traffic and improve health-and-wellness regarding driving.
