Finland’s Driving Licence Act is due to be reformed on 29 May 2026, and the changes will affect everyone who is applying for a driving licence or planning to do so in the near future. Young drivers and their parents in particular should read this through – the reform of the law alone will not change anything, but it will affect how and when you can take your driving test.
At Epic, we want information to flow freely and ensure that no one is left in the dark. That’s why we’ve gathered all the essential information in one place.
In short: what and when?
| Date | What’s happening? |
|---|---|
| 29 May 2026 | The law comes into force. A night-time driving ban (00:00–05:00) applies to all 17-year-olds. |
| 1 October 2026 | Risk awareness training is being extended to 12 hours. A young driver badge will become mandatory. |
| November 2027 | A Category B licence allows the holder to drive a vehicle weighing up to 4,250 kg, even when not operating under a transport licence. |
Risk identification training is being expanded – this applies to you if you are already on the course
From the start of October 2026, the risk awareness training (RTK) will be expanded to a 12-hour course comprising 7 hours of theory and 5 hours of practical driving. Previously, it was 8 hours (4 hours of theory and 4 hours of practical driving).
If you have already started your training under the old curriculum but are taking your driving test after 1 October 2026, you must complete the additional training before sitting the driving test:
- +3 theory lessons
- +1 hour of driving
This also applies to those sitting a resit. In other words, even if you have already taken your driving test before the law came into force, the supplementary training is mandatory if your driving test is on or after 1 October 2026.
Furthermore, simulator-based training may in future account for no more than half of all driving instruction.
17-year-olds: a ban on night-time driving and stricter conditions for age exemptions
Night-time driving ban from midnight to 5 am
The new rule is clear: all 17-year-olds driving a car are prohibited from driving between midnight and 5 a.m., regardless of when their age exemption was granted. This ban also applies to those who have already been granted an exemption.
If caught breaking the ban, the usual consequences are a fine and a driving ban. The person who provided the vehicle – usually a parent – may also be fined. Liability is therefore shared.
The conditions for age exemption permits will be tightened from 29 May 2026
Stricter criteria will apply to new applications for age exemptions:
- You must be able to travel at least four times a week
- The journey must be at least 7 km on foot or take at least 1.5 hours by public transport
- Applicants must be at least 16 years and 8 months old at the time of application
- The application must be accompanied by a mandatory certificate, such as an employment contract covering a period of at least two months
Important note: If you apply for a licence by 28 May 2026, the old, less stringent conditions will apply. It is therefore advisable to act quickly if this is relevant to your situation.
Good news for young people: from now on, you can sit the theory test a month before your 17th birthday.
Other changes in brief
- The driving ban training scheme is being extended to include drivers of mopeds, light quadricycles and tractors
- Cheating in the theory test will result in a six-month ban
- You no longer need to return an expired driving licence to Traficom — you can destroy it yourself
- A driving test may also be taken whilst under a temporary driving ban, if ordered by the police
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to take extra lessons if I have already started my RTK training? Yes, if your driving test is after 1 October 2026 and you have completed the training under the old 8-hour scheme. You will need 3 additional theory lessons and 1 additional driving lesson.
Does the night-time driving ban also apply to those who already hold an age exemption licence? Yes. The driving ban between midnight and 5 a.m. applies to all 17-year-olds driving passenger cars, regardless of when the licence was issued.
Can I still apply for an age exemption under the old conditions? Yes, but only until 28 May 2026. After that, stricter new conditions will apply.
What proof is required for an age exemption? For example, an employment contract valid for at least two months or a certificate of enrolment. For competitive sports or arts activities, you can obtain a certificate from the relevant sports association or arts college.
Where can I find more official information? On Traficom’s website: traficom.fi/fi/drivers/driving-licences/driving-licence-law-reform-what-is-changing
We’ll take care of the training
The changes may sound complicated, but in practice it simply means that you should set aside a realistic amount of time for your studies and get started early. We won’t leave you to grapple with the legal provisions on your own – we’ll update our courses to comply with the new legislation and keep you informed throughout your studies.
Would you like to start the process of getting a driving licence or find out more about the changes?
Sign up for the course → or Contact us →
Source: Traficom, Finnish Transport and Communications Agency. Article updated on 24 May 2026.