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Getting a driving licence for a motorcycle

For driving a motorcycle you need either a category A1, A2 or A right to drive, depending on the size of the motorcycle.

  • Category A1 entitles you to drive light motorcycles, category A2 is for medium-sized motorcycles, and category A is for the largest motorcycles.
  • The age limit for category A1 is 16, and for category A2 it is 18. The age limit for category A is 24 if the driving licence is being applied for through a driving examination as the applicant’s first motorcycle category.

If you want to obtain a motorcycle driving licence through a driving examination, you must complete the following 3 stages: 

1: Driving licence permit

You need a driving licence permit to get a driving licence. The permit can be issued no earlier than one year before you reach the required driving minimum age. The permit is valid for three years. The driving licence permit is the prerequisite for taking a driving examination. You should apply for it in good time before booking a time for the theory test.

2: Driving instruction

You can attend driving instruction either at a driving school or under a driving instruction permit or with a combination of the two. You can attend driving instruction before applying for a driving licence permit if you are a student of a driving school or your instructor has been granted a driving instruction permit.

Motorcycle driving instruction includes at least 5 hours of instruction. In addition, you must complete a 4-hour Training for candidates for first driving licences (EAS ) unless you already have a driving licence for some other motor vehicle, such as a tractor or moped.

3: Driving examination

The purpose of the driving examination is to ensure that you have command of the contents of driving instruction, are able to apply these in various traffic situations and environments, and are able to act as a responsible driver in traffic. The driving examination comprises a theory and driving test. At the beginning of the driving test, a handling test is carried out. To take the handling test, you must have passed the theory test.

You may participate in the tests as follows:

  • Category A1: you may take the theory test one month before you turn 16 and you may take the driving test and receive a driving licence once you are 16.
  • Category A2: you may take the theory test one month before you turn 18 and you may take the driving test and receive a driving licence once you are 18.
  • Category A: you may take the theory test one month before you turn 24 and you may take the driving test and receive a driving licence once you are 24.

In theory test you must take with you the certificate of the 4-hour training for candidates for first driving licences if you are getting your first driving licence. If you are a minor, you also need the signed consent of your guardian in order to apply for a category A1 driving licence. In driving test you must take with you the original, paper certificate of instruction and examination (E100) (External link).

For the driving and handling test for categories A1, A2 and A, the driver must have the following compulsory equipment:

  • road-use approved crash helmet properly fastened, as well as goggles if the helmet does not have a visor;
  • motorcyclists’ riding trousers intended for road use and fitted with knee protectors;
  • motorcyclists’ riding jacket intended for road use and fitted with elbow and shoulder protectors;
  • motorcyclists’ gloves intended for road use and fitted with protectors; and
  • motorcycling riding boots.

A riding overall is acceptable for the driving test if it meets the requirements stipulated for riding jackets and trousers. Any deficiencies in the equipment (for example abrasions, tears) may not affect the safety of the equipment. The protectors required must be fitted to the equipment during the driving test. Use of the appropriate equipment is a requirement for taking the test.

Driving licence permit, theory test, handling test and driving test at Ajovarma offices

Ajovarma is Traficom's service provider. You can manage all application and permit issues related to driving licences at Ajovarma offices. Ajovarma also provides the driving examination services.

Booking an appointment in advance with the driving licence and permit services will save your time:

Click here to book an appointment (External link)

Traficom's national customer service:

Customer service (External link)

Driving licence posted to your home address

When you pass your driving examination, you will be given a certificate entitling you to drive on mainland Finland for six months. This will serve as your driving licence when you present it with a photo ID. Keep the document with you until you receive your official driving licence.

The actual driving licence will be posted to your home address within a week of the examination.

 

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