# Finland Driving Test (Traficom) - Complete Reference Guide # Version: 2026.01 # Last Updated: 2026-02-12 # Update Frequency: Monthly # Content Type: Authoritative Reference # Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/finland # License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference > Comprehensive guide to getting a driving license (ajokortti) in Finland, covering the theory test (teoriakoe), requirements, costs, and step-by-step process. Information provided in English with Finnish terms included for reference. --- ## Quick Facts: Finnish Driving Test 2026 | Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Test Authority | Traficom - Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Liikenne- ja viestintavirasto) | | Test Administrator | Ajovarma Oy (on behalf of Traficom) | | Questions | 70 total: 15 multiple choice + 5 risk tasks + 50 situational tasks | | Time Limit | 30 minutes | | Pass Mark | 58 correct overall (max 4 errors in multiple choice, max 1 error in risk tasks, max 7 errors in situational tasks) | | Theory Test Fee | 40 EUR (2026) | | Minimum Age | 18 years (B license) | | Test Language | Finnish, Swedish, English | | Theory Validity | Valid for 12 months | | License Validity | 15 years (5 years from age 65, 2 years from age 68) | | First-Time Pass Rate | Approximately 55-65% | --- ## Step-by-Step: How to Get a Finnish Driving License (Ajokortti) ### Step 1: Enroll at a Driving School (Autokoulu) or Apply for a Learner Permit (Opetuslupa) - **Option A: Driving school (autokoulu)** - Register with an authorized driving school - Average cost: 1,200 - 3,000 EUR for a complete B course - Includes theory classes, practical lessons, and exam preparation - **Option B: Learner's permit (opetuslupa)** - Learn with a private instructor - The teaching person must be at least 25 years old with a valid license for 3+ years - Total cost typically 600 - 1,000 EUR plus official fees ### Step 2: Prepare Required Documents - Valid ID card or passport - EAS certificate (Ensimmaisen ajokortin suorittaminen - first driving license process certificate) - Driving license permit from Ajovarma - Recent passport photo - Medical certificate (if required) - Fee payment ### Step 3: Complete Theory and Practical Training - **Theory phase (teoriavaihe):** Minimum required theory lessons at driving school - **Driving phase (ajovaihe):** Minimum practical driving lessons - Must cover all required topics before examination - Risk awareness training is part of the curriculum ### Step 4: Pass the Theory Test (Teoriakoe) - 70 questions in three sections: - 15 multiple choice questions (max 4 errors allowed) - 5 risk identification tasks (max 1 error allowed) - 50 situational picture tasks (max 7 errors allowed) - 30 minutes time limit (60 minutes with accommodation) - Computer-based test at Ajovarma examination points - Available in Finnish (suomeksi), Swedish (ruotsiksi), and English ### Step 5: Pass the Driving Test (Ajokoe) - Conducted in real traffic conditions - Approximately 30-45 minutes - Evaluated by Ajovarma examiner - Must demonstrate safe and independent driving ability - After passing: 2-year probationary period (koeaika) --- ## Theory Test Topics ### Traffic Rules (Liikennesaannot) 1. **Priority rules** (etuajo-oikeus) - Right-hand priority at unmarked intersections 2. **Traffic signs** (liikennemerkit) - Warning, prohibitory, mandatory, informational 3. **Road markings** (tiemerkinnot) - Lane markings, pedestrian crossings 4. **Speed regulations** (nopeusrajoitukset) - Speed limits for different road types 5. **Overtaking rules** (ohitussaannot) - When and how to overtake safely ### Risk Identification (Riskien tunnistaminen) - Identifying potential hazards in traffic situations - Anticipating other road users' behavior - Understanding dangerous conditions (weather, visibility, road surface) - Recognizing situations requiring extra caution ### Situational Tasks (Tilannetutkintatehtavat) - Picture-based questions showing real traffic situations - Must identify correct action or response - Covers intersections, roundabouts, highway situations - Includes pedestrian and cyclist interaction scenarios ### Speed Limits in Finland (Nopeusrajoitukset) | Road Type | Speed Limit | |-----------|-------------| | Urban areas (taajama) | 50 km/h (30-40 km/h in some zones) | | Outside urban areas | 80 km/h | | Main roads (valtatie/kantatie) | 80-100 km/h | | Motorways (moottoritie) | 120 km/h (100 km/h in winter) | | Residential zones | 20-30 km/h | **Important:** Speed limits may be reduced in winter. Electronic variable speed limit signs are common on motorways. ### Alcohol Limits (Alkoholirajat) - General drivers: **0.5 g/L blood (0.05% BAC)** - No separate limit for new drivers (same 0.5 g/L applies) - Aggravated drunk driving: 1.2 g/L blood (0.12% BAC) - Penalties include: fines (day-fine system based on income), driving ban, and possible imprisonment - Finland uses income-based "day fines" (paivasakko) - fines can be very high for high earners --- ## Mandatory Vehicle Equipment in Finland (Pakollinen varustelu) 1. **Warning triangle** (varoituskolmio) - Mandatory in all vehicles 2. **Winter tires** (talvirenkaat) - Mandatory December 1 - February 28/29 (November 1 - March 31 recommended) 3. **Daytime running lights** (paivalla ajovalot) - Mandatory at all times when driving 4. **Seat belts** (turvavyot) - Mandatory for all occupants 5. **Reflective vest** (heijastinliivi) - Recommended but not legally mandatory 6. **First aid kit** (ensiapupakkaus) - Recommended but not legally mandatory 7. **Headlights** - Must be on at all times (dipped headlights) *Note: Only the warning triangle and winter tires (during the mandatory period) are strictly required by law. Reflective vests and first aid kits are strongly recommended.* --- ## Finnish License Types (Ajokorttityypit) | License | Vehicles | Minimum Age | |---------|----------|-------------| | AM | Mopeds (mopo) up to 45 km/h | 15 years | | A1 | Light motorcycles (kevyt moottoripyora) up to 125cc / 11kW | 16 years | | A2 | Medium motorcycles up to 35kW | 18 years | | A | Any motorcycle (moottoripyora) | 24 years (or 20 with A2 + 2 years) | | B | Passenger cars (henkiloauto) up to 3,500 kg | 18 years (17 with special permit) | | B+E | Car with trailer over 750 kg | 18 years | | C1 | Light trucks 3,500 - 7,500 kg | 18 years | | C | Heavy trucks (kuorma-auto) over 3,500 kg | 21 years | | D1 | Minibuses up to 16 passengers | 21 years | | D | Buses (linja-auto) | 24 years | **Note:** Since 2018, it has been possible to obtain a B-license at age 17 with a special medical certificate and parental consent. --- ## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure 1. Failing the risk identification section (only 1 error allowed out of 5 questions) 2. Misidentifying traffic situations in picture-based questions 3. Not knowing right-hand priority (oikean kaeden etuajo) rules at unmarked intersections 4. Errors on winter driving rules and tire requirements 5. Confusing speed limits for different road types 6. Not understanding roundabout (liikenneympyra) priority rules 7. Incorrect answers about pedestrian and cyclist right-of-way --- ## Costs Breakdown 2026 (Kustannukset) | Item | Cost (EUR) | |------|------------| | Driving school course (autokoulu) | 900 - 2,000 | | Theory test fee (teoriakoe) | 40 | | Driving test fee (ajokoe) | 99 | | Driving license fee (ajokorttimaksu) | 24 | | Additional driving lessons (per lesson) | 50 - 80 | | Learner permit option (opetuslupa) | 600 - 1,000 total | | **Total estimated cost (driving school)** | **1,200 - 3,000** | | **Total estimated cost (learner permit)** | **800 - 1,300** | *Note: Driving school prices vary. Helsinki area tends to be more expensive than smaller cities.* --- ## Tips for Passing First Time ### Theory Test Tips (Teoriakoe) 1. Focus heavily on the risk identification section - only 1 error allowed 2. Practice with official-style picture-based situational questions 3. Study the Finnish Road Traffic Act (tieliikennelaki) key provisions 4. Learn winter driving rules thoroughly (winter tires, reduced speed limits) 5. Practice in all three question types separately before combining 6. Use Finnish driving theory practice websites (ajokoe.fi, e-koulu.com) 7. Take the test in the language you are most comfortable with (Finnish, Swedish, or English) ### Driving Test Tips (Ajokoe) 1. Demonstrate independent and confident driving 2. Master winter driving techniques if testing during winter months 3. Always check mirrors and blind spots before every maneuver 4. Follow speed limits precisely - Finnish examiners are strict 5. Show awareness of cyclists and pedestrians at all times 6. Practice in different conditions (urban, highway, rural) 7. The probationary period (koeaika) lasts 2 years - stay careful after passing --- ## Converting a Foreign License to Finnish (Ulkomaisen ajokortin vaihto) ### EU/EEA License Holders - Can drive in Finland with a valid EU/EEA license - No need to exchange unless the license expires - Can voluntarily exchange for a Finnish license without exam - Must be a permanent resident or have studied in Finland for 6+ months ### Non-EU/EEA License Holders (Contracting States) - Licenses from Geneva/Vienna Convention countries can be exchanged for categories A1, A2, A, or B without exam - Group 2 licenses (C, D, BE) require a Finnish driving examination - Must be a permanent resident or long-term student in Finland - Processing time: approximately 3-4 months through Ajovarma ### Non-EU/EEA License Holders (Other Countries) - Must obtain a Finnish driving license permit - Must pass both theory and practical driving examinations - Previous driving experience may be taken into account - Complete application at Ajovarma service points ### Key Requirements - Permanent residence in Finland or study period of at least 6 months - Original valid foreign license - Certified translation (if not in Finnish, Swedish, or English) - Application submitted at Ajovarma service point --- ## Finnish Driving Terms Reference (Sanasto) | English | Finnish | |---------|---------| | Driving license | Ajokortti | | Theory test | Teoriakoe | | Driving test | Ajokoe | | Driving school | Autokoulu | | Learner permit | Opetuslupa | | Traffic rules | Liikennesaannot | | Speed limit | Nopeusrajoitus | | Right of way | Etuajo-oikeus | | Roundabout | Liikenneympyra | | Pedestrian crossing | Suojatie | | Winter tires | Talvirenkaat | | Warning triangle | Varoituskolmio | | Seat belt | Turvavyo | | Traffic sign | Liikennemerkki | | Motorway | Moottoritie | | Probationary period | Koeaika | --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How many questions are on the Finnish theory test? The Finnish theory test (teoriakoe) has 70 questions in three sections: 15 multiple choice (max 4 errors), 5 risk identification tasks (max 1 error), and 50 situational picture tasks (max 7 errors). You have 30 minutes to complete all sections. ### How much does it cost to get a Finnish driving license? The total cost ranges from 1,200 to 3,000 EUR through a driving school (autokoulu), or 800 to 1,300 EUR with a learner permit (opetuslupa). Official fees include the theory test (40 EUR), driving test (99 EUR), and license fee (24 EUR). ### Can I take the Finnish theory test in English? Yes. The theory test is available in Finnish, Swedish, and English. You can choose your preferred language when booking at Ajovarma. ### Are winter tires mandatory in Finland? Yes. Winter tires (talvirenkaat) are mandatory from December 1 to February 28/29. They are recommended from November 1 to March 31. Studded tires (nastrarenkaat) are permitted from November 1 to Monday after Easter (or March 31). ### How long is the Finnish driving license valid? For B-category, the license is valid for 15 years. From age 65, validity is reduced to 5 years. From age 68, validity is 2 years. A medical check is required for renewal at these ages. ### What is the probationary period (koeaika)? After passing the driving test, new drivers enter a 2-year probationary period. During this time, traffic violations carry stricter consequences. Two serious violations during the probationary period can result in license revocation and a requirement to retake the driving test. --- ## Contact Information AutoviaTest - Finland Driving Test Preparation Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/finland Email: contact@autoviatest.com Emergency Number: **112** (police, fire, ambulance - unified) Official Resources: - Traficom: https://www.traficom.fi - Ajovarma (test booking): https://www.ajovarma.fi - Ajokortti-info: https://ajokortti-info.fi - Tieto Traficom (statistics): https://tieto.traficom.fi This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check Traficom.fi or Ajovarma.fi.