Finnish driving license law reform 2026 – what every student needs to know

Finland’s driving license legislation is undergoing a significant reform, coming into effect on 29 May 2026. The changes affect risk recognition training, under-17 drivers and the driving test process – and apply to everyone taking their driving test after 1 October 2026.

Key dates at a glance

• On 29 May 2026, the majority of the new law comes into force. A nighttime driving ban (00:00–05:00) applies to all 17-year-olds driving a passenger car. Expired driving licenses no longer need to be returned to Traficom – they can be destroyed by the holder.
• From 1 October 2026, risk recognition training expands from 8 to 12 hours (7 theory + 5 driving lessons), the under-17 driver marker becomes mandatory, and simulator training is capped at a maximum of half of all driving instruction hours.
• In November 2027, B-license holders will be permitted to drive vehicles up to 4,250 kg beyond commercial transport use, subject to having held a driving license for at least two years.

Risk recognition training – new requirements

From 1 October 2026, all students taking their driving test must have completed risk recognition training totalling 12 hours: 7 theory lessons and 5 driving lessons.

Important for students already on a course: if you completed risk recognition training under the previous requirements (8 hours), you will need to top up your training with 1 additional driving lesson and 3 additional theory lessons before taking your driving test. This also applies to students retaking the driving test who have already sat it before the law came into force.

Under-17 drivers – new restrictions

From 29 May 2026, the conditions for new age exemption permit applicants are also tightened. The need to travel must arise at least four times per week, and the journey must be at least 7 km on foot or 1.5 hours by public transport. The applicant must be at least 16 years and 8 months old at the time of application, and a mandatory supporting document – such as a work contract of at least two months – must be included. Note: applications submitted by 28 May 2026 will still be assessed under the previous conditions.

Changes to the driving test

The reform brings several changes to the driving test process. Remedial driving education is extended to cover mopeds, light quadricycles and tractors. From 1 October 2026, simulator training is capped at a maximum of half of all driving instruction. Cheating in the theory test now results in a 6-month exclusion from future tests. Additionally, the driving test can be taken on police order even during a temporary driving ban.

What else is changing?

The reform stems from the implementation of the European driving license directive, approved in October 2025, into Finnish national law. Topics under discussion for the future include the B1 category (speed-limited car), the removal of the automatic transmission restriction (code 78) through training, assisted driving, and the possibility of obtaining an A1 license alongside a B license.

Going forward, B-license holders may drive vehicles up to 4,250 kg if they have held a driving license for at least two years and the vehicle is used for commercial transport. For other driving, the change takes effect in November 2027. The reform does not affect the B96 license.

Have questions about the changes? We are updating our course content to meet the new requirements. Don’t hesitate to contact our customer service – we’ll make sure your studies progress smoothly under the new rules.

Sources: Finnish Driving Schools Association (Suomen Autokoululiitto) & Traficom