A driving licence at 17?
It is also possible to complete the car driving course with an age exemption, in which case you can obtain a driving licence at the age of 17.
With the reform of the Driving Licence Act, stricter requirements have come into force for obtaining an age exemption permit and for driving at age 17. You can find more information on this page.
You can view all B-courses offered under special permission by selecting a location below!
How do you obtain a driving licence under a special exemption?
1. Grounds for granting an exemption
Find out about the criteria for obtaining an exemption and consider carefully whether you have a sufficiently compelling reason to be granted one. A compelling reason may include:
- a long journey to school or work placement
- enabling people to pursue their hobbies in a structured way
- poor public transport links
- needs relating to the family’s livelihood
2. Applying for an exemption
- Application: Apply for a licence via Traficom’s online ‘Oma asiointi’ service. The application is usually submitted by a guardian.
- Attachments: Please attach to your application a reliable document (e.g. a school travel certificate, employment contract or proof of participation in a hobby) demonstrating your need for a driving licence.
- Processing time: Check the processing time on Traficoms website.
3. Apply for an exemption via Traficom’s online service
4. Take a car driving course
- Epic Driving School offers a wide range of course packages, so you’re sure to find one that suits you!
- By law, you can start driving lessons as early as age 16. However, we recommend starting the course only about 4–6 months before your 17th birthday, so that your schedule stays flexible and you have time to complete all the stages at just the right pace.
- Please note that the age exemption permit is granted by Traficom, and the driving school has no influence over the decision. Obtaining the permit is the applicant’s own responsibility, and the course cannot be cancelled or discontinued on the grounds that the age exemption permit was not granted.
5. Take your driving test
- You can take the theory test 1 month before you turn 17.
- Once you have turned 17, you can take the driving test.
6. Obtaining the card
- Once you have passed your driving test, you will receive your provisional license immediately. Your full driving licence will be sent to you by post.
Epic Driving School course packages
Changes to the exemption permit in 2026
Changes and tighter restrictions are due to be introduced to the age exemption scheme during 2026. The key changes are:
- Night-time driving ban: 17-year-olds who have obtained a driving licence under special permission are not permitted to drive a car between midnight (00.00) and 5.00 am.
- Vehicle marking: Vehicles driven by 17-year-olds are to be marked, which will make it easier to enforce the night-time driving ban.
- Stricter eligibility criteria: The conditions for special permits are being tightened. Previous traffic offences (including those committed on electric scooters) may prevent a person from obtaining a permit, not just a previous driving ban.
- Entry into force: The government bill was submitted to Parliament in February 2026, and the amendments are due to come into force in the summer of 2026.
Read more about the reform of the Driving Licence Act on our page. If you like, you can find official information about the reform on Traficom’s website.
Read also carefully the changes to the exemption permit on Traficom’s website.
Why choose Epic Driving School?
🖥️ Network theories at your own pace
Learn at a time that suits you. The online modules are delivered via video in our learning app.
🗕 Modern simulators and cars
Epic’s simulator and vehicles are modern and of high quality. This is how we ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.
📍 Branches across Finland
With Epic Driving School’s extensive network of branches, you’re sure to find a branch that suits you for taking your driving test.
🤝 Fair prices and transparent terms and conditions
We want to make it possible for as many people as possible to obtain a driving licence, which is why we offer a range of service packages. You can find the terms and conditions of the service on our website before purchasing, or in the learning app whilst taking the course.
💬 Customer service is here to help
You won’t be left to deal with your questions on your own. You can contact us via chat, email or by phone