You need a category C driving licence to drive a lorry, and a category CE driving licence to drive a vehicle combination.
The minimum age requirement for categories C and CE is 21 years. If you have a basic level professional qualification as a lorry driver, you can get a driving licence from the age of 18.
You need a category C1 licence to drive a smaller lorry. You need a category C1E licence to drive a vehicle combination. The minimum age requirement in categories C1 and C1E is 18 years.
Do the following
Apply for a driving licence permit
You need a driving licence permit to participate in the theory and driving test.
Apply for a driving licence permit for upgrading your driving licence.
Participate in driving instruction, i.e. theory lessons and practical driving instruction
You can obtain the instruction required for the lorry driving examination at a driving school, at a vocational institution or with a driving instruction permit.
At a driving school or with a driving instruction permit, you can start driving instruction six months before you meet the minimum age requirement.
You may only take driving instruction for vehicle combinations, or category C1E or CE vehicles when you have been issued with the right to drive a towing vehicle.
Take the theory test
You can take the theory test one month before turning 21.
You must have a valid category B driving licence, i.e. a valid passenger car licence, when you take the theory test.
When you take the theory test, you will need:
- a valid photo ID, such as a passport or an ID card
- the certificate of instruction and examination. You get the form from your driving school, educational institution or instructor with a driving instruction permit.
- an approval document if you are under 21 and have no professional competence. You will get the approval document from your educational institution.
In addition, you need a valid driving licence permit. The organiser of the theory test will verify its validity in Traficom’s system.
The theory test is organised by Ajovarma.
Take the driving test
You can take the driving test once you have passed the theory test and turned 21. If you are banned from driving, you cannot take the driving test.
Bring the following to your driving test:
- a valid photo ID, such as a passport or an ID card
- the certificate of instruction and examination. You get the form from your driving school, educational institution or instructor with a driving instruction permit.
In addition, you need a valid driving licence permit. The organiser of the driving test checks its validity from Traficom’s system.
The driving test is organised by Ajovarma.
After you have passed the theory test, you will receive your driving licence in the mail
After you have successfully completed the driving test, you will receive an examination certificate that will entitle you to drive a lorry in mainland Finland for up to 6 months. This will serve as your driving licence as long as you also carry your photo ID. Keep the document with you until you receive your official driving licence.
Your driving licence will be delivered to your home address in approximately 2 weeks.
A lorry driving licence is valid for 5 years at a time. When you reach the age of 68, the driving licence is valid for 2 years at a time. The driving licence must be renewed when its validity ends.