Blogpost
Is your Finnish taxi driver licence about to expire? New regulations introduced in 2026 will change the renewal process, including a mandatory training requirement for most taxi drivers.
If you work as a taxi driver in Finland, keeping your taxi driving licence valid is essential. An expired licence can prevent you from continuing your work, so understanding the renewal requirements in advance can save both time and unnecessary complications
From 1 November 2026, most taxi drivers renewing their licences in Finland will be required to complete seven hours of refresher training. Fortunately, the required training can also be completed online, making it easier for drivers across Finland to meet the new requirements.
What Changes for Taxi Driver Licence Renewals in 2026?
The Finnish taxi industry is undergoing regulatory changes designed to improve passenger safety, professional competence and the quality of taxi services.
Under the updated legislation, taxi drivers renewing their licences between 1 November 2026 and 31 August 2034 will generally need to complete a seven-hour taxi driver refresher training course.
The training covers important topics such as:
Passenger safety and assistance
Customer service and communication
Supporting passengers with different needs
Taxi drivers' professional responsibilities
Traffic safety and updated taxi regulations
There is one important exception: Drivers who have completed the new statutory 21-hour taxi driver training course after 1 September 2026 do not need to take the separate seven-hour refresher course when renewing their licence.
The seven-hour refresher training is required only once to satisfy this statutory renewal training requirement.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLINE TAXI DRIVER REFRESHER TRAINING
When Should You Renew Your Taxi Driver Licence in Finland?
A Finnish taxi driver licence is generally valid for five years.
However, if you are 68 years old or will turn 68 during your current licence's validity period, your renewed licence will be valid for two years.
You can apply for renewal up to six months before your existing licence expires.
Starting the process early is recommended, particularly if you need to arrange refresher training or obtain a medical certificate.
If your licence has already expired, renewal is still possible, provided you meet the applicable requirements. However, you cannot legally continue working as a taxi driver with an expired licence.
How to Renew Your Taxi Driver Licence in Finland
The renewal process involves several steps.
Check the expiry date of your current licence
Find out when your taxi driver licence expires. You can submit your renewal application during the six months preceding its expiry..
Complete the required refresher training
If the new seven-hour training requirement applies to you, complete an approved course before renewing your licence.
Obtain a medical certificate
Taxi drivers must meet the Finnish Group 2 medical fitness requirements. A medical certificate is generally required and must be no more than six months old when submitting the application.
Book an appointment with Ajovarma
Taxi driver licence renewal applications are submitted at a service point of Traficom's service provider, Ajovarma
Submit your application
Bring the necessary documents, which may include proof of identity, a medical certificate, a photograph and other supporting documentation depending on your circumstances.
Traficom will process your application and send your new taxi driver licence card by post. Applications without additional documentation requirements are usually processed in approximately two weeks.
Can You Complete Taxi Driver Refresher Training Online?
Yes! You can complete your seven-hour taxi driver refresher training remotely without attending a physical classroom.
At Akkad Group Oy, we offer Traficom-approved taxi driver refresher training through live online sessions.
This means you can participate using your own computer or smartphone, wherever you are in Finland.
The training takes one day and is delivered in Finnish, with English-language support available when needed. Support in Easy Finnish is also available.
After successfully completing the course, you will receive a training certificate, and we will report your completion to Traficom on your behalf.
This makes the renewal process more convenient, especially for drivers who work irregular hours or live far from major cities.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLINE TAXI DRIVER REFRESHER TRAINING
Do you have a questions? Contact us, and we will help you.
Generally, yes. From 1 November 2026, drivers renewing their licences must complete seven hours of approved refresher training, unless they qualify for an exemption, such as having completed the new 21-hour statutory taxi driver training after 1 September 2026.
Normally, no. Renewing an existing taxi driver licence does not require you to retake the official taxi driver examination. The refresher course itself also has no separate final examination.
Yes. You can apply for renewal after your licence has expired, provided you meet the applicable requirements. You must not work as a taxi driver without a valid licence.
In most cases, yes. You must meet the Group 2 medical fitness standards. A new certificate may not be necessary if an acceptable medical report has already been submitted within the preceding six months.
Akkad's online taxi driver refresher training is delivered in Finnish, but English-language support is available when needed. Contact us if you have questions about language support before registering.
Yes. Our training is organised as a live online course, so you can participate using a computer or smartphone with an internet connection.
No. Completing the training fullfils the relevant training requirement, but you must still submit a separate renewal application through Ajovarma. Traficom makes the final decision regarding your licence.
Renewing your taxi driver licence does not have to be complicated. By checking the requirements early, preparing your documents and completing the necessary training, you can avoid unnecessary interruptions to your work.
At Akkad Group Oy, we help taxi drivers throughout Finland complete the required refresher training conveniently online.