Theory test 2027: what changes?
From 1 January 2027 the basic theory exam has 55 questions instead of 50, new topics and VKU before the test. What applies until 31 Dec 2026 — and how to prepare.
Short answer — what changes in the 2027 theory test?
The Swiss basic theory exam for cars and motorcycles (cat. B, A and A1) changes on 1 January 2027. This is not forum hearsay: the ASTRA ordinance of 19 December 2025 puts the VZV/VKUV amendments into force on that day. Three facts matter for your prep:
- Until 31 December 2026 the current format stays: 50 questions, 150 points, at most 15 penalty points, about 45 minutes — as published by asa (Association of Road Traffic Offices) for B, A and A1.
- From 1 January 2027 basic theory has 55 questions. The Thurgau and St. Gallen road traffic offices state this explicitly. New topic blocks are added: driver assistance systems (FAS), traffic awareness course (VKU) and traffic-sense training (Verkehrssinnbildung).
- VKU proof is required before the theory exam (VZV Art. 13 para. 1ter). If you got your learner permit in 2025 or 2026 but sit the exam in 2027, you take the new exam — not the old 50-question paper.
What asa has not yet published on its exam-format page for 2027: the exact scoring table and the time limit. This article therefore gives no 2027 pass mark. Current figures until the end of 2026 are in How many questions does the Swiss theory exam have?.
Why this matters for your preparation
Many people plan: get the yellow card, practise a few weeks, book the office. From 2027 an extra step comes first. Thurgau states: even if you received the learner permit in 2025 or 2026, from 1 January 2027 you sit the new theory exam. There is no grandfathering for “old” cards.
St. Gallen therefore recommends taking the exam still in December 2026 if you have trained the current format and do not want to push VKU into January. That is advice, not a duty — but a clean choice: either pass by 31 Dec 2026 in the known 50-question format, or prepare for 55 questions and the new topics.
Both paths use the same study rule: do not just click answers; practise priority, speed and signs the way they appear in the exam. The core rules stay on Swiss traffic rules. The 2027 blocks are added; they do not replace the classics.
Current format until 31 December 2026
asa describes the current exam format as follows (categories B, A and A1):
| Feature | Value (until 31 Dec 2026) |
|---|---|
| Questions | 50 |
| Points | 150 (3 per question) |
| Pass mark | 135 points (at most 15 penalty points) |
| Time | 45 minutes |
The moped exam (cat. M) remains 30 questions, 90 points, 9 penalty points and 45 minutes on the asa table. The cited office notices do not announce a 55-question switch for mopeds.
asa also publishes two competence catalogues: one until 31 Dec 2026 and one from 1 Jan 2027. Sit in 2026 → old catalogue. Sit in 2027 → new catalogue. The cut is the calendar day, not “sometime in winter”.
What is confirmed from 1 January 2027
Thurgau and St. Gallen agree: basic theory for B, A and A1 has 55 questions. St. Gallen adds that VKU before theory is mandatory. Thurgau lists the new content: driver assistance, VKU and traffic-sense training.
Federal law backs the date. ASTRA’s note on the 19 December 2025 amendments names 1 January 2027 as the in-force date. VZV Art. 13 para. 1ter requires VKU proof before the theory exam for categories A, B, A1 and B1. Annex 11 covers traffic-sense training. Art. 151q is the transitional rule — it does not keep the old exam alive after the cut-off.
What we deliberately do not claim: a 2027 scoring scale or a new duration. Commercial sites publish figures; asa has not published them on Prüfungsform. When asa updates, we will update this article.
New topics: FAS, VKU and traffic sense
Driver assistance systems (FAS) become exam material. That means not only “cruise control exists”, but what a system is for, where it stops, and who stays responsible — you. AEB, lane-keep or blind-spot assist does not change priority, distance or speed.
VKU is not a mere admin tick. If VKU is required before theory, you must know the content before you book: risk, distraction, alcohol and drugs (drink-driving limit Switzerland), fatigue, peer pressure. The same 0.1‰ rule applies later during probation — see Swiss probationary licence. Questions on those topics are no longer a surprise; they are part of basic theory.
Traffic-sense training is in VZV Annex 11. It is about reading scenes: who has priority, what you see too late, when to brake instead of accelerate. Image questions train that — definition lists do not. Timed practice stays the shortest path even when the paper grows from 50 to 55 questions.
VKU before theory — what to plan
Many people used to slot VKU somewhere between theory and practice. From 2027 that flips for the categories above: VKU proof first, then the theory exam. Book the course and waiting time before you book the office.
If you already hold cat. B and add a motorcycle licence, you are often exempt from basic theory and VKU — that is the known B path, not a 2027 exception. Confirm with your cantonal office. This article is not official advice.
Transition: sit now or wait for 2027?
- Exam by 31 Dec 2026: you stay on 50 questions and the known pass mark. St. Gallen recommends this if you already train the current format. December slots fill up.
- Exam from 1 Jan 2027: practise 55 questions and the new blocks. Complete VKU first. A 2025 or 2026 learner permit does not protect you from the new format (Thurgau).
The fuzzy plan “I’ll learn 50 questions and see in 2027” is the risky one. Five extra questions plus new topics hurt if you never systematically revised VKU material.
How to practise now — whichever date you choose
Classic traps stay: priority from the right, roundabouts, 30 km/h zones, overtaking, distance. New: think assistance systems and VKU risks inside the same scenes. Start with free online theory practice — 10 demo questions, instant score, no account. If the format fits, unlock full access with 1,200+ questions.
Sitting in 2026? Run 50-question simulations and count penalty points (aim clearly under 15). Sitting in 2027? Same topics plus FAS/VKU/traffic sense, and get used to the longer paper. The rules stay Swiss rules — not easier, just broader.
FAQ
How many questions from 2027?
55 in basic theory for cat. B, A and A1 (StVA Thurgau and St. Gallen). Until 31 Dec 2026 it stays 50 (asa exam format).
Does a 2025 or 2026 learner permit keep the old exam?
No. Thurgau: anyone testing from 1 January 2027 sits the new exam, regardless of when the yellow card was issued.
Must VKU be done before theory?
Yes. VZV Art. 13 para. 1ter requires proof before the theory exam for A, B, A1 and B1. St. Gallen confirms the duty.
How many penalty points in 2027?
asa has not published that on Prüfungsform yet. Until 31 Dec 2026 the limit is 15 penalty points out of 150. Marketing numbers do not belong in your plan.
Does the moped exam change in 2027?
In the cited asa and office sources, cat. M stays at 30 questions. No 55-question switch is stated there.
Should I still sit in 2026?
If you already pass the 50-question format reliably and can get a December slot: yes, that is St. Gallen’s advice. If VKU or the appointment is only possible in 2027, practise 55 questions and the new topics on purpose.
Sources
- asa, exam format (current 50/150/15/45 for B, A, A1; M 30/90/9/45)
- asa, exam content: competence catalogues until 31 Dec 2026 and from 1 Jan 2027
- ASTRA, amendments of 19 December 2025 (in force 1 Jan 2027)
- VZV Art. 13 para. 1ter (VKU before theory), Art. 151q (transition), Annex 11 (traffic-sense training)
- Road traffic office Thurgau, 29 September 2026: 55 questions, FAS/VKU/traffic sense, new exam also with 2025/2026 card
- Road traffic office St. Gallen: VKU before theory, 55 questions, sit by end of December 2026
Note: Not legal advice and no substitute for your canton. We will name 2027 scoring and duration only when asa publishes them.
Practise free · Questions & scoring in detail · Swiss traffic rules · Unlock 60 days
