How Ukrainians with temporary protection can obtain a driver's license in Finland: a step-by-step guide

Ukrainians with temporary protection in Finland can obtain a Finnish driver's license either by exchanging their documents or by passing the exams from scratch. Find out about the requirements, cost, deadlines, and step-by-step procedure for obtaining a driver's license in 2025

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Ukrainians who are in Finland under the temporary protection program are entitled to obtain a Finnish driver's license — both in case of loss of their Ukrainian document and if they wish to take the exams from scratch. The process is regulated by the Traficom Transport Agency and is fully accessible to persons with temporary protection.

Who can obtain a Finnish driver's license

Finland recognizes Ukrainian driver's licenses, so their holders can exchange their licenses for Finnish ones without taking exams if the document is valid or has been damaged or lost during the war.

You do not need to have a permanent address in Finland to do this — a residence permit marked with temporary protection is sufficient. The new license is issued until the end of the temporary protection period, i.e., at least until March 4, 2027.

If a Ukrainian citizen did not have a license before, they can complete a full course of training at a driving school, pass the exams, and obtain a new license.

Basic requirements for obtaining a license in Finland

Persons aged 18 and over (or 17 with special permission) can obtain a driver's license in Finland. To do this, you must have:

● a valid identity document (passport or temporary protection card);

● a Finnish personal identification code (provided with a residence permit);

● an F122 medical certificate of fitness to drive (for those who want to obtain a license for the first time).

Before starting training, you must obtain a training permit — Ajokorttilupa, which confirms your right to take courses and pass exams. The application is submitted online through the Oma asiointi Traficom system or in person at the Ajovarma (A-Katsastus) center. The cost of submitting an application is about €36.

Steps for Ukrainians who want to obtain a driver's license in Finland

The process is as follows:

1. Apply for ajokorttilupa online or at the Ajovarma center.

2. Enroll in a driving school.

3. Complete the EAS and RTK courses.

4. Pass the theory and practical exams.

5. Receive a plastic license by mail (in 1-2 weeks).

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How training is conducted in Finnish driving schools

The Finnish driver training system consists of several mandatory stages:

1. EAS (First License Training) — a four-hour theoretical course for those who are obtaining a license for the first time.

2. Practical training — at least 10 hours with an instructor.

3. RTK (Risk Training Course) — a course on risk recognition (4 hours of theory + 4 hours of practice).

Most driving schools teach in Finnish, Swedish, or English, but it is officially permitted to use an interpreter. Some schools also have teachers who speak Ukrainian, so it is worth checking this before registering.

Exams: theoretical and practical stages

The exams take place in two stages:

1. Theoretical test

Taken at Ajovarma centers on tablets and lasts about 30 minutes. It consists of multiple-choice questions, visual situations, and risk assessment tests. You can choose the language of the exam: Finnish, Swedish, or English. For those who do not speak these languages, it is permitted to use the services of an interpreter.

2. Practical exam

It lasts about an hour and includes driving in urban and rural areas. After passing the exam, a temporary permit valid for up to 6 months is issued — this is sufficient to obtain a plastic license.

Cost of obtaining a license

The price depends on the driving school and region, but the average costs are as follows:

● Ajokorttilupa (permit) — €36;

● Theory exam — €40;

● Practical exam — €99;

● Plastic license production — €28–39.

Driving school tuition costs an average of €800 to €1,500, so the total cost for all stages is approximately €1,000–2,000.

Duration of the process

On average, it takes 2-3 months to obtain a driver's license. Training takes about two months of active classes, and the plastic license arrives by mail 1-2 weeks after successfully passing the exams.

License categories and validity period

After completing the course, you will receive a category B license, which allows you to drive passenger cars and small trailers (up to 750 kg). The license is valid for 15 years.

Later, you can add other categories, such as BE (for trailers) or AM (for mopeds).

We remind you! Ukrainians who have moved abroad can exchange their driver's licenses for local ones without retaking the exams thanks to international agreements. Read where and under what conditions you can exchange your license in our previous article.

Photo: Depositphotos

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