For driving a passenger car or a van, you need a category B driving licence. The minimum age for this is normally 18, and the licence can be obtained by completing the following 3 stages:
Driving licence permit
You need a driving licence permit to get a driving licence. The minimum age for receiving a permit is 16. 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.
Driving instruction
You can attend driving instruction either at a driving school, with 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.
Passenger car driving instruction includes at least 18 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 moped.
Driving examination for passenger cars
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 includes a theory and driving test. For more (in Finnish) about the contents of the handling and driving test, see here.
You can take the theory test (External link) one month before turning 18. If you have been granted an age exception permit, the age limit is 17 years. If you are getting your first driving licence, you must take with you the certificate of the training for candidates for first driving licences (EAS).
To take the driving test (External link), you must have passed the theory test. You must take with you the original, paper certificate of instruction and examination (E100) (External link) verifying the instruction you have received, the certificate of the risk training and the age exception permit, if you have been granted one. You can take the driving test once you have turned 18. If you have been granted an age exception permit, the age limit is 17 years.
Driving licence permit, theory 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:
Driving licence posted to your home address
After passing 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 driving test. A passenger car driving licence is valid for 15 years, after which it must be renewed .