The purpose of the driving examination is to ensure that you master the contents of driving instruction and know how to apply them in varying traffic situations and environments, driving responsibly.
The driving examination consists of a theory test and a driving test. For some driving licence categories, the candidate also takes a handling test.
You can take the driving test if
- you meet the age requirement for the driving licence category in question
- you have a valid driving licence permit
- you have not been banned from driving
- you have completed the required driving instruction.
Candidates take the driving examination at a service point of Ajovarma, a service provider of Traficom.
Theory test
The purpose of the driving examination theory test is to ensure that you have sufficient knowledge and skills to drive responsibly on the road. A passed theory test is valid for one year.
You can take the theory test one month before meeting the age requirement for getting a driving licence. The theory test for a tractor driving licence is an exception, and you can take it at the age of 15 at the earliest.
If you have an age exception permit for a passenger car driving licence, you can take the test at the age of 17. You always take the theory test before the driving test.
Prepare for the theory test following the advice provided by the instructor at your driving school or the driving instruction permit holder.
Theory test procedure
You take the theory test on a tablet. You will receive instructions for taking the test before the test begins. The theory test takes 30 minutes.
You may not take a mobile phone, earphones or other communication or recording devices into the room. It is strictly prohibited to copy information included in the test and hand it over to others. Any misconduct will mean that you will not be able to take the theory test in the ordinary way in the future.
There are three types of questions: multiple choice questions, questions related to images showing traffic situations, and risk identification questions.
You will need to score a specific number of points for each section. See the table below for the number of questions in each section. The minimum score is shown in brackets.
| Right to drive category | Multiple choice questions | Questions about images | Risk identification questions |
| A1, A2, A | 20 (14) | 50 (43) | 5 (4) |
| AM/120, AM/121, T, B | 15 (11) | 50 (43) | 5 (4) |
| BE, C1, C1E, D1, D1E | 10 (7) | 30 (26) | 5 (4) |
| C, CE, D, DE | 20 (14) | 30 ((26) | 5 (4) |
Once you have completed the test, you will see your results and feedback on each section on the tablet.
The feedback will also be sent to your email address. If you do not have an email address, ask the test organiser to print out the feedback for you.
If you pass the test, you can book your driving test and any separate handling test you have to take first.
If you fail the test, revise the learning materials and book a new theory test.
A tractor driving examination does not include a driving test. You will receive your tractor driving licence by post after completing the theory test.
Handling test
The purpose of the handling test is to ensure that you have sufficient skills in handling the vehicle.
You take the handling test either during your driving test or as a separate test before it. A passed handling test is valid for one year.
The following driving examinations include a separate handling test that you take before the driving test.
- Driving licence for a moped (AM/120)
- You do not need take a driving test to get a driving licence for a moped.
- Driving licence for a motorcycle (A1, A2 and A)
- Driving licence for a car with a trailer (BE)
- Driving licences for lorries with trailers (C1E and CE)
- Driving licences for buses with trailers (D1E and DE)
Driving test
The purpose of the driving test is to ensure that you are able to apply the basic driving skills you learned during the theory and driving lessons independently in different traffic situations.
The driving test has three parts: initial discussion, driving in traffic and final discussion
Initial discussion
You go through the procedure and instructions for the test with the examiner. If you are unsure about anything concerning the test, ask the examiner. The idea is that after this discussion, you know what is expected of you in the test.
Driving in traffic
The examiner gives you driving tasks which you complete independently and in which you are responsible for driving the car. The test makes versatile use of the traffic environment. You must be able to drive in different speed zones and traffic densities. You assess how your choices during the driving test affect your own safety and that of others on the road.
Final discussion
In the final discussion, the examiner tells you if you have passed the test. The decision is based on your overall performance in the driving test. You will discuss the skills you already master and those in which you need more practice.
The time spent on the different parts may vary. The total time reserved for the driving test is 60 minutes.
After the driving test, you will receive individual feedback by email. You should also go through the feedback with your instructor.
If you passed the driving test, you will receive a certificate of having passed the driving examination. Together with an ID card, you can use this certificate as a temporary driving licence until the actual driving licence is posted to your home address.
If you did not pass the test, you need more driving practice. When you feel you have mastered the different skills areas, book a new driving test.
Oral theory tests
In an oral theory test, you have 60 minutes to respond to the questions. The examiner is present at the oral theory test. They can read the questions aloud in the language of the test (Finnish, Swedish or English).
Using an interpreter in the theory test
Requesting an administrative review and recording the driving test
Regulations and instructions
Regulation on theory tests in driving examinations (External link)
Instructions for requesting an administrative review (External link)
Forms
Exemption from requirements for interpreters (External link)
Also Read
Requirements for vehicles used in driving tests