Getting a motorcycle driving licence

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 age limit is 24 or 20 years if you have held a category A2 driving licence for at least two years.

Do the following

Step 1
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.
Before applying for a driving licence permit, make sure that you are able to handle the motorcycle class you are applying for and that it is not too big for you.
If you are unable to manage the motorcycle during training and the driving test, you will have to apply for a new paid driving licence permit for a smaller motorcycle (A1 or A2).
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
2Step 2
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.
3Step 3
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.
4Step 4
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 handling and 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 handling and 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.
Watch the video of a motorcycle handling test (YouTube)
Step 5
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.

Motorcycle training licence

With a motorcycle training licence, you are entitled to practice driving independently before the driving test. Apply for a motorcycle training licence at an Ajovarma service point.

You may be granted a training licence for getting a motorcycle driving licence if

you have a driving licence permit for a motorcycle driving examination
you are not subject to a driving ban, nor have you been at any time during the five years preceding the training licence decision
you have received the required driving instruction, i.e.
- 4 lessons of training for candidates for first driving licences (EAS) unless you already have a driving licence and
- 4 lessons of driving instruction in traffic (If you don't have a motorcycle learner's permit, 5 hours of driving instruction are required).

• you have already passed the theory test and handling test

If you have held a motorcycle driving licence in a lower category for at least two years and you are upgrading it to the next category A licence, no instruction is required, and you do not need to take the theory test. You may receive a training licence after completing the handling test.

Book an appointment at Ajovarma to submit an application for a training licence

Take your guardian’s consent for the training licence form with you if you are a minor and apply for a training licence for category A1

If the training licence can be granted, Ajovarma will give it to you right away

The motorcycle category which you are seeking and the motorcycle registration number are entered in the training licence. The motorcycle must fulfil the requirements for the licence category in question.

Use the white triangle, the symbol for marking a teaching vehicle, when you are practising driving.

Training licences are issued for three months. Licences are reissued only if there is a pressing reason for doing so.