Obtaining a driving licence for a passenger car
You can obtain a passenger car licence once you have turned 18. You can also drive a van with a passenger car licence (category B).
Do the following
- Step 1
Apply for a driving licence permit
You need a driving licence permit to participate in the theory and driving test.
If your passenger car licence is your first driving licence, apply for a driving licence permit for your first driving licence.
If you already have e.g. a driving licence for a moped or tractor, you can apply for a driving licence permit to upgrade your driving licence.
- Step 2
Participate in driving instruction, i.e. theory lessons and practical car driving instruction
Driving instruction consists of the following parts
- Training for candidates for first driving licences (EAS) 4 theory lessons. If you already have e.g. a moped or tractor licence, you do not need to take the training again. You can complete your Training for candidates for first driving licences (EAS) at a driving school or with another approved instructor, such as a school. The training cannot be provided under a driving instruction permit.
- Driving lessons. At least 10 driving lessons. You can receive your driving instruction at a driving school or from a person with a driving instruction permit. If you receive your instruction from an instruction permit holder, complete the Training for candidates for first driving licences (EAS) before your driving lessons.
Risk recognition training. 8 hours, including 4 hours of theory instruction and 4 hours of driving instruction. The training can only be provided by a driving school or other approved instructor. You cannot receive the training from an instruction permit holder.
Risk recognition training will change on 1 October 2026
If you take the driving test on or after 1 October 2026, you must have completed risk recognition training in accordance with the new requirements. The scope of the training will then be 12 hours.
You can complete the training under the current requirements if you successfully complete both the risk recognition training and the driving test by 30 September 2026.
If you have not completed the process of obtaining your driving licence by 1 October 2026, contact your driving school to find out which parts of the training you still need to complete.
- Step 3
Take the theory test
You can take the theory test one month before turning 18. If you are banned from driving, you cannot take the theory test.
When you take the theory test, you will need:
- a photo ID, such as a passport or ID card
- a paper certificate that you have completed the Training for candidates for first driving licences (EAS), if you are applying for your first driving licence. You can obtain the certificate from a driving school or other training provider
- you will need an approval document or training certificate from your educational institution and the official guardian’s consent form if you are taking the test for a category B or BE driving licence at the age of 17 as part of your studies.
In addition, you need a valid driving licence permit. The organiser of the theory test will verify its validity in Traficom’s system. The theory test is organised by Ajovarma.
Book a time for a theory test at Ajovarma.
- Step 4
Take the driving test
You can take the driving test once you have passed the theory test and turned 18. If you have an age exception permit, you can take the test when you are 17. If you are banned from driving, you cannot take the driving test.
Please note the change to risk recognition training
If you take the driving test on or after 1 October 2026, your risk recognition training must have been completed in accordance with the new requirements.
Bring the following to your driving test:
- A photo ID, such as a passport or an identity card issued by the police
- a certificate of the driving instruction and risk recognition training you have completed. You will receive the certificate from your driving school or driving instruction permit teacher
- an age exception permit, if you are applying for a driving licence at the age of 17
In addition, you need a valid driving licence permit. The organiser of the driving test will verify it in Traficom’s system.
The driving test is organised by Ajovarma.
Book a time for a driving test at Ajovarma.
- Step 5
After you have passed the driving test, you will receive your driving licence in the mail
After you have successfully completed the driving test, you will receive an examination certificate that will entitle you to drive a passenger car in mainland Finland for up to 6 months.
This will serve as your driving licence as long as you also carry your photo ID. Keep the document with you until you receive your official driving licence.
Your driving licence will be delivered to your home address in approximately 2 weeks. The driving licence is valid for 15 years. After this, the licence must be renewed.