Who is it for?
Anyone who wants to get a car licence (category B) or motorcycle (category A), with no prerequisites. If you already hold an A or B licence, you're exempt.
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First aid
The very first step towards your driving licence in Geneva. In 10 hours over 2 days, you learn life-saving skills at our Cornavin and Eaux-Vives locations. No prerequisites.
- 10h over 2 days
- 12 participants max
- Certificate valid for 6 years
- Cornavin and Eaux-Vives
What exactly is it?
The first aid course (also called the Samaritan course) is a must for anyone who wants to drive in Switzerland, and it's open to everyone: licence candidates, individuals, companies, and private group sessions. At SDS, it takes place in a classroom, in a small group, at our Cornavin and Eaux-Vives locations in Geneva. It's not just for the licence: companies and individuals can also sign up to learn life-saving skills—contact us for a group session.
Why is it mandatory?
The first aid certificate is required to submit your learner's permit application to the OCV in Geneva: a mandatory and regulated step to start your licence.
When should I take it?
Right at the start of your journey: it's the very first step of the licence. Many students take it alongside theory. The certificate remains valid for 6 years.
Your place in the licence journey
- 1 First aid You are here
- 2 Learner's permit application
- 3 Theory course
- 4 Theory test
- 5 Sensibilisation + driving lessons
- 6 Examen pratique
At SDS OCV process See the full journey
Life-saving skills: what you'll learn
No medical knowledge needed: everything is learned hands-on, guided by an instructor certified by an accredited organization (SanPool) to teach first aid and BLS-AED according to Swiss Resuscitation Council (SRC) standards, approved by FEDRO. Here are the 6 main topics of the course, in plain language.
Securing an accident
The right reflexes to protect the area and prevent a secondary accident, even before attending to the victim.
Alerting emergency services
Who to call (144, 117, 118, 112), what to say and in what order. A clear message saves precious minutes.
CPR and defibrillator
Resuscitation practiced on a mannequin, with a training defibrillator. The skill that saves the most lives.
Recovery position
Placing an unconscious person who is breathing, to keep their airways clear until help arrives.
Bleeding and injuries
Stopping bleeding, protecting a wound, and responding to the most common road injuries.
Handing over to professionals
Passing on to paramedics with the right information: what you saw, what you did.
Group course of 12 people maximum, participatory and active: everyone practices each skill.
Your 2 days, in practice
10 hours spread over 2 consecutive days. Here's what a typical SDS session looks like.
Understanding and responding
- Securing an accident scene and alerting emergency services
- Assessing a person's condition: conscious, unconscious, breathing or not
- First practical exercises in pairs
Intensive practice
- CPR and defibrillator on a mannequin
- Recovery position and managing injuries
- Full accident scenario
- Your certificate handed out at the end of the day
- Weekday, evening, or weekend sessions
- Comfortable clothing recommended, floor exercises
- All equipment provided
Next sessions in Geneva
Choose the date and location that suits you. Online booking, secure payment (card, Twint, PostFinance), and instant email confirmation.
Practical info
The price
180 CHF
140CHF
Full 10h course, certificate included. Also included in our car and motorcycle packages, better value than individually.
Where does it take place?
At the Cornavin location (Rue Vallin 10, 1201 Geneva) or Eaux-Vives (Route de Chêne 5, 1207 Geneva). You choose the location when booking your session.
What to bring
Nothing to bring: mannequins, training defibrillators, and course materials are provided. Just come in comfortable clothing.
Validity and recognition
Certificate valid for 6 years, recognized by FEDRO and all Swiss motor vehicle departments: OCV in Geneva, SAN in other cantons.
Open to everyone
The course is not restricted to licence candidates: individuals, companies and private groups can sign up to learn life-saving skills. As part of the licence process, it is the mandatory first step.
Save with a pack
The first aid course is included in several of our packages. By combining your classroom courses, you save with a package.
Success Duo +
First aid (10h)
Save 102 CHF 178CHF280
See details
This package includes
- First aid (10h)
- Sensibilisation (8h)
- CHF 20 off your first 90-minute driving lesson
- Save CHF 110, valid 18 months
Success Full 4
First aid
Save 120 CHF 760CHF880
See details
This package includes
- First aid
- theory
- sensibilisation
- 4 driving lessons
- Valid 18 months
Success Full 8
First aid
Save 120 CHF 1,100CHF1,220
See details
This package includes
- First aid
- theory
- sensibilisation
- 8 driving lessons
- Valid 18 months
Frequently asked questions · First aid
Is the first aid course mandatory?
Yes, it's mandatory to get your driving licence (categories A and B). The certificate is valid for 6 years. If you already hold an A or B licence, you don't need to retake this course: the original certificate remains valid.
I'm not applying for a driving licence, can I still take the course?
Yes. The first aid course (Samaritans) is open to everyone, whether or not you are working towards a licence: individuals, companies and private groups. You get the same certificate, valid for 6 years. For a private session or a group, contact us for a quote.
How long is the course and how is it organized?
The course lasts 10 hours spread over 2 consecutive days. You choose your session to fit your schedule: weekdays, evenings, or weekends. Attendance for the full two days is required to receive the certificate.
Is there an exam at the end?
No. Your attendance for the 10 hours and participation in the exercises are enough. The certificate is handed to you at the end of the second day.
What happens if I can no longer attend?
You can reschedule your session for free up to 72 working hours before the start of the course, by phone. After this deadline, the session is due. The course must be completed in full (10h over 2 days) to validate the certificate.
Do I need to bring equipment or wear specific clothing?
No equipment to bring, everything is provided: resuscitation mannequins, training defibrillators, course materials. We recommend comfortable clothing as there's hands-on practice on the floor (CPR, recovery position).
When should I take the course in my licence journey?
Ideally before your learner's permit application: the certificate is required to submit it to the OCV. Many students take first aid alongside theory to save time. The certificate remains valid for 6 years.
Ready to take the first step?
Book your first aid session online in 2 minutes, or contact our team in Geneva with any questions.