Ajokyky

Ajokyky, or driving ability, is the overall capacity to operate a motor vehicle safely, taking into account physical, cognitive, and sensory functions as well as health, medications, and fatigue. It is a central concept in road safety and the licensing system in Finland.

In Finland, ajokyky is assessed as part of obtaining or renewing a driver's license. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) sets rules for licensing and safety requirements, and medical professionals provide statements of fitness to drive when health concerns arise. Drivers with certain medical conditions or older age may be required to undergo medical examinations and submit medical reports. Some conditions may lead to temporary or permanent restrictions, suspensions, or revocation of the license.

Key factors affecting ajokyky include vision and hearing, motor function and coordination, reaction time, attention and cognitive processing, spatial orientation, and balance. Medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes with complications, heart disease, stroke, or neurodegenerative disorders, as well as medications that cause drowsiness or impair judgment, can reduce driving ability. Alcohol and other substances, fatigue, and stress also impact ajokyky.

Assessment and monitoring typically involve eye examinations, medical history review, and, if indicated, specialized testing for reaction time, cognitive skills, and motor control. Older drivers may face periodic checks. Based on the evaluation, authorities may issue temporary or permanent license restrictions, such as routine eyewear use, limits on vehicle category, or driving cessation.

Rehabilitation efforts, driver retraining, or medical treatment may restore or improve ajokyky in some cases. When driving is considered unsafe, alternatives for mobility and support are encouraged.

The term ajokyky is used in Finnish policy discussions and research to describe the balance between individual mobility and road safety.