To drive a motorcycle, you need either a category A1, A2 or A right to drive, depending on the size of the motorcycle.
There are three categories of driving licences for motorcycles of different sizes: A1, A2 and A.
- Category A1 licence entitles you to drive a light motorcycle with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 125 cm³ and with a power not exceeding 11 kW. The age limit is 16 years.
- Category A2 licence entitles you to drive medium-sized motorcycles with a power not exceeding 35 kW. The age limit is 18 years.
- Category A licence entitles you to drive any kind of motorcycle. The instruction and driving examination are conducted on a motorcycle with a power of more than 50 kW and an unladen weight of more than 175 kg. The age limit is 24 or 20 years if you have held a category A2 driving licence for at least two years.
Do the following
Apply for a driving licence permit
When you are taking a theory test, handling test or driving test you must have a driving licence permit.
If you do not yet have a driving licence, apply for a driving licence permit in the First driving licence service.
If you already have a driving licence, apply for a driving licence permit in the Upgrading your driving licence service.
->What is a driving licence permit
-> How to apply for a driving licence permit for your first driving licence
-> How to apply for a driving licence permit to upgrade your driving licence
Participate in theory instruction and driving lessons
Driving instruction consists of the following parts:
- Training for candidates for first driving licences (EAS). 4 theory lessons.
If you already have a driving licence, you do not need to take this training. The training may be provided by a driving school or arranged by another officially approved instructor, such as a school. The training cannot be provided under a driving instruction permit.
- Driving instruction. At least 5 driving lessons.
Take the theory test
You can take the theory test as follows:
- Category A1: one month before you turn 16
- Category A2: one month before you turn 18
- Category A: one month before you turn 24
When you take the theory test, you will need
- A photo ID, such as a passport or ID card
- Guardian’s consent form if you are getting a light motorcycle licence before you have turned 18.
- A certificate of the Training for candidates for first driving licences (EAS) if you do not yet have a driving licence
In addition, you need a valid driving licence permit. The organiser of the theory test will check the validity of the permit in the Traficom system.
Book a time for a theory test at Ajovarma.
Take the handling and driving test
You can book a time for the handling and driving test after you have passed the theory test.
If you are banned from driving, you cannot take the test. The handling test is carried out either as a separate test or in connection with the driving test. Check how it is done with the Ajovarma service point. You can take the handling and driving test as follows:
- Category A1: when you have turned 16
- Category A2: when you have turned 18
- Category A: when you have turned 24.
After completing the handling test, you can practice driving a motorcycle with a training licence. Read more at the end of the page under Motorcycle training licence.
When taking the driving test, you will need:
- a photo ID, such as a passport, driving licence or an identity card issued by the police
- certificate of instruction and examination (E100). You will get the certificate from your driving school or driving instructor
- compulsory protective equipment
For the driving test, wear the following protective equipment approved for use in road traffic:
- crash helmet properly fastened, as well as goggles if the helmet does not have a visor;
- motorcyclists’ riding trousers fitted with knee protectors;
- motorcyclists’ riding jacket fitted with elbow and shoulder protectors;
- motorcyclists’ gloves fitted with protectors; and
- motorcycling riding boots.
You may wear a riding overall if it meets the requirements stipulated for riding jackets and trousers.
The required protectors must be in place in the equipment. Any deficiencies in the equipment must not affect the safety of the equipment.
You cannot take the test without appropriate equipment.
In addition, you need a valid driving licence permit. The organiser of the theory test will check the validity of the permit in the Traficom system.
Book a time for a handling test and driving test.
After you have passed your handling and driving tests, you will receive your driving licence by post
After successfully completing the driving test, you will receive an examination certificate with which you are entitled to drive a motorcycle for up to six months in mainland Finland. This will serve as your driving licence as long as you also carry your photo ID.
When driving, keep the document with you until you receive your official driving licence.
You will receive your driving licence to your home address by post in approximately 2 weeks. The driving licence is valid for 15 years. After this, the licence must be renewed.