Driving Licence Act brings changes for all driving licence applicants

The Driving Licence Act, which changes on 29 May, also introduces reforms to the driving examination and training requirements. Some of the training-related changes will enter into force later in autumn 2026.

Stricter requirements for theory tests

In future, cheating in the theory test of the driving examination will result in a 6-month ban on taking the test again.

“The forms of cheating in theory tests are very diverse and may change rapidly. It is important to remember that attempting or preparing to cheat is also considered cheating,” says Marjo Immonen, Chief Specialist at the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom.

Cheating includes, for example, copying answers or using unauthorised notes or other aids, taking the test on behalf of another person, giving answers to another person or asking another person for answers during the test, as well as copying or recording the test or parts of it in any way.

“Personal belongings such as outerwear or accessories that could facilitate cheating or make it possible to record the test may no longer be brought into the examination room. In addition, any equipment brought into the room for necessary reasons, such as medical equipment, must be accompanied by a medical certificate confirming the need for the equipment.”

In addition, the conditions for using an interpreter will become stricter, and the items allowed in the examination room will be restricted to prevent cheating. Remote interpreting will no longer be allowed, and exemptions permitting a person to act as an interpreter will no longer be granted.

Well-received driving ban training expanded

The training required for new drivers who are placed under a driving ban will be expanded to cover not only passenger car and motorcycle drivers but also drivers of mopeds, light quadricycles and tractors who are banned from driving during their first two years of driving.

In future, the training requirement will also apply to drivers placed under a temporary driving ban by the police.

“In future, a separate certificate of completed driving ban training must be submitted to the police after each driving ban. The training must have been completed after the driving ban was imposed. The same certificate can therefore not be used again for a later driving ban,” says Marjo Immonen.

Some changes will not enter into force until autumn

The legislative changes also include measures that will only enter into force on 1 October 2026 but are already important to consider when planning to obtain a driving licence.

These changes include, for example, mandatory additional hours of risk recognition training, the number of which depends on when the driving test will be taken. The amount of simulator-based instruction will also be restricted.

“We will provide more information about the changes closer to their entry into force. It is therefore worth following both our website and our social media channels,” reminds Immonen.