20.2.2026
Why you should get a Finnish taxi driving licence now – before the taxi law reform
Finland is preparing a legislative reform that will change the requirements for becoming a taxi driver, especially in terms of mandatory training.
At the moment, obtaining a Finnish taxi driving licence is relatively straightforward: you need to pass the taxi driver examination organised under Traficom’s regulation (the examination fee is approx. €120) and complete the required health check / medical assessment.
After the reform, the examination alone will no longer be enough, because the process is expected to include a mandatory training component.
What is the taxi law reform expected to include?
• Mandatory 21-hour training programme: Until now, you have been able to prepare independently and take the taxi driver examination directly. Under the new taxi law, every new driver would need to complete at least 21 hours of compulsory basic training before being issued a Finnish taxi driving licence. In addition to the training, you would still need to pass the taxi driver examination.
• Further training when renewing the licence: For drivers who already hold a taxi driving licence, the reform would introduce 7 hours of mandatory refresher training in connection with renewal. Based on current information, if you obtain your licence now, you would fall under the “existing licence holders” category at renewal and would therefore take the 7-hour training rather than the 21-hour training.
• Language proficiency and tighter supervision: The supervision of training and examinations would be strengthened to ensure competence. The aim is to ensure taxi drivers have sufficient language skills for customer service and dealing with authorities. In practice, this may lead to stricter assessment of competence.
• Significantly higher total costs for new entrants: Today, you can largely manage with the examination fee (plus the medical assessment). After the reform, you would likely also have to pay for a course provided by an external training organisation. Even though exact pricing is not yet confirmed, it is hard to see a scenario where the overall cost would not increase substantially. The additional cost for a new taxi driver is likely to be several hundred euros.
Will there be a rush to apply for the Finnish taxi driving licence?
The Government intends to submit the legislative proposal to Parliament in spring 2026 (target: week 9).
The exact entry-into-force date has not been confirmed, but a realistic estimate is that the changes could take effect as early as autumn 2026 and no later than sometime in 2027, depending on the parliamentary timetable and possible transitional provisions.
Because the entry requirements are expected to become stricter, it is very likely that Traficom/Ajovarma examination appointments will become busier and available times may not be sufficient for everyone close to the deadline. For that reason, if your goal is to obtain the licence before the reform, it is not wise to leave preparation for the taxi driver examination to the last minute.
Other tightening measures being prepared
Alongside the reform, other clarifications and stronger enforcement are being prepared, affecting taxi drivers and the sector more broadly.
• Distinct licence plates and mandatory taximeter requirements: Taxi identification would be improved by introducing distinct licence plates and clarifying taximeter requirements. The goal is to increase customer trust and make supervision easier, but these measures can also increase start-up costs for new operators in terms of vehicles and equipment.
• Criminal background criteria: The list of offences that prevent issuing a taxi driving licence would be expanded. Background checks would be tightened, raising the reliability requirements for entering the profession.
Start preparing for the taxi driver examination early
If you are considering becoming a taxi driver, it makes sense to start preparing right away. As the reform approaches, examination appointment availability is likely to tighten and schedules may become less predictable. By taking advantage of the current, lighter requirements, you can save both time and money before the application process becomes more demanding.
Careful preparation with up-to-date practice material reduces the need for retakes and makes the Finnish taxi driving licence process smoother. On Taksikoe.fi, we have compiled over 150 practice tasks covering the key topic areas of the official taxi driver examination, along with text-based lessons and 50-question practice exams that simulate the structure of the real examination. Systematic practice helps you understand the exam format and identify any gaps in your knowledge well in advance.
Check how ready you are with our free taxi driver mini exam: