Ajokorttien

Ajokortti is a government-issued document that certifies a person’s competence to operate motor vehicles on public roads. In Finnish, ajokorttien is the genitive form referring to driving licenses in general or to the set of licenses within the system. The license is an official identity document and is recognized across the European Union and the European Economic Area.

In Finland, driving licenses are issued by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) and are aligned with EU-wide standards. To obtain a license, applicants typically meet minimum age requirements for the desired vehicle category, complete driver education (often through a driving school), and pass both a theory exam and a practical driving test. Most applicants also complete additional training focused on road safety and risk awareness as part of the process. After successfully completing the required tests, Traficom issues the driving license.

Categories of licenses cover different vehicle types, with common ones including AM (moped), A1, A2 and A (motorcycles), B (passenger cars), BE (car with trailer), and professional categories such as C (truck) and D (bus). The license may include subcategories and trailer allowances, and upgrading between categories typically requires additional tests and training. The license is valid in all EU/EEA countries.

Validity and renewal depend on the license category and the holder’s age. Some categories require periodic medical checks for older drivers, and licenses must be renewed before expiration, often through Traficom, sometimes with online services. Driving without a valid license is illegal and may result in penalties, suspension, or revocation.