Brexit and driving licences: consider changing your UK licence to a Finnish licence
A possible no-deal Brexit will also affect the validity of UK driving licences in Finland. If you hold a UK driving licence, the best way to ensure that all your driving rights remain valid is to change your driving licence to a Finnish one before the end of March. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom’s website includes a section on the effects of Brexit on transport and communications.
If the United Kingdom (UK) withdraws from the EU without an agreement, this will affect the validity of UK-issued driving licences in Finland and other EU countries. UK driving licence holders residing in Finland should consider changing their driving licence to a Finnish one already before the UK’s possible withdrawal from the EU.
“Making the change now is highly recommended particularly if the driving licence includes the right to drive heavy vehicles. If the UK withdraws from the EU, driving licences issued by the UK will be classed as third country licences, meaning that from the perspective of the Act on Driving Licences, they are licences issued by a contracting state. This would mean that a new driving examination would be required for bus and lorry licences, for example”, explains Development Manager Päivi Wood.
If you are an EU citizen, you can change your driving licence to a Finnish one by presenting your old, valid driving licence and a proof of identity as well as, if required, two photos for use with the new card.
The same also applies if the validity of your driving licence expired no less than two years ago (for car and motorcycle licences), or no less than one year ago (for heavy vehicle licences). In this case, you will also need to present a medical certificate. If you meet the above time limits, all your driving licence categories remain valid when you change a licence issued by one EU country to a licence in another EU country. If the time limits are exceeded, you must take a new driving examination.
You can change your driving licence at the service points of Ajovarma, the service provider for Traficom. It is advisable to book an appointment in advance.
Further information on the future validity of driving licences issued by the UK (External link) and the general effects of Brexit on transport and communications (External link) can be found on Traficom’s Brexit webpages with key information on Brexit for individuals and businesses.
Media enquiries:
Traficom media hotline, tel. +358 29 534 5648