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Taxi Driver Training in Finland 2026 – New Requirements and Course Prices
Taxi Driver Training in Finland 2026 – New Requirements and Course Prices
Finland's taxi industry is changing in 2026. New training requirements affect people entering the profession, experienced taxi drivers renewing their licences and those planning to start their own taxi businesses. But what exactly is changing, and how much does the required training cost?
Working as a taxi driver requires more than good driving skills. Passenger safety, customer service, professional responsibilities and understanding Finnish transport regulations are all essential parts of the job.
The new legislation aims to improve professional competence and the overall quality of taxi services in Finland.
Taxi training courses vary in duration and price depending on their purpose. At Akkad, training options range from approximately €100 to €500 plus VAT, covering everything from short practical courses to comprehensive three-day training programmes.
What Are the New Taxi Driver Training Requirements in 2026?
The most significant changes take effect on 1 September and 1 November 2026.
From 1 September 2026, the official taxi driver examination was updated to include ten additional questions covering drivers' rights and responsibilities. The same date also introduced a new requirement for aspiring taxi entrepreneurs to complete 21 hours of approved training before taking the taxi entrepreneur examination.
From 1 November 2026, new taxi drivers must complete 21 hours of basic training before taking the official taxi driver examination.
Another important change affects existing drivers. Those renewing their taxi driving licences between 1 November 2026 and 31 August 2034 will generally need to complete seven hours of refresher training.
An exception applies to drivers who completed the new statutory 21-hour taxi driver training after 1 September 2026.
The reform also introduces stricter background checks and updated medical certificate requirements for taxi driver licence applicants.
The general requirements remain in place: applicants must have held a category B driving licence issued in Finland or another EU/EEA country for at least one year, meet the Group 2 medical fitness requirements and pass the official taxi driver examination.
What Types of Taxi Training Courses Are Available?
The right course depends on whether you are starting your career, renewing your licence, planning to operate a taxi business or preparing to transport passengers with special needs.
Taxi Driver Basic Training (21 Hours)
This course is designed for people entering the taxi industry. It covers passenger safety, customer service, taxi regulations and preparation for the official taxi driver examination. Akkad offers the training entirely online over three days.
Price: €278 + VAT.
Learn more about Taxi Driver Basic Training
Taxi Driver Refresher Training (7 Hours)
This one-day course is intended for existing taxi drivers renewing their licences. It focuses on updated legislation, passenger safety and professional responsibilities. The training can be completed remotely and does not include a separate final examination.
Price: €178 + VAT.
Learn more about Taxi Driver Refresher Training
Taxi Entrepreneur Course (21 Hours)
Planning to start your own taxi company in Finland? The Taxi Entrepreneur Course provides essential knowledge about business management, taxation, accounting and legal responsibilities. After completing the course, participants must pass the official taxi entrepreneur examination.
Price: €475 + VAT.
Learn more about the Taxi Entrepreneur Course
Driver Training for Special Passenger Groups (Kela and Healthcare Transport)
This training is particularly relevant for drivers planning to provide Kela-reimbursed journeys, social and healthcare transport services or school transport services where special passenger transport qualifications are required.
The complete programme includes 14 hours of online theory lessons and seven hours of practical training in person. Depending on previous qualifications and when the driver's licence was issued, some drivers may only need the practical component.
Price: €299 + VAT (21 hours) or €108 + VAT (7-hour practical training only).
Learn more about Driver Training for Special Passenger Groups
A Traficom registration fee of €21 (VAT 0%) is added to the training prices listed above. Official examination and licence application fees are separate.
Have any questions? Get in touch – we're happy to help!
Frequently Asked Questions About Taxi Training in Finland
Frequently Asked Questions About Taxi Training in Finland
Can I complete taxi driver training online?
Can I complete taxi driver training online?
Yes. At Akkad, taxi driver basic training, refresher training and taxi entrepreneur training are available online. Special passenger group training also includes an in-person practical component, usually organised in Helsinki.
Is the new 21-hour training mandatory for all taxi drivers?
Is the new 21-hour training mandatory for all taxi drivers?
No. From 1 November 2026, the new basic training requirement applies to new drivers taking the official taxi driver examination. Existing drivers renewing their licences are generally required to complete the separate seven-hour refresher course.
Will I receive a taxi driving licence after completing the course?
Will I receive a taxi driving licence after completing the course?
Not automatically. New drivers must pass the official examination and meet the other licensing requirements. Taxi driving licences are issued by Traficom, while examinations are arranged through its service provider, Ajovarma.
Can I take the taxi driver examination without training in 2026?
Can I take the taxi driver examination without training in 2026?
You can take the official taxi driver examination without completing the 21-hour basic training course until 31 October 2026. However, an examination passed without training between 1 September and 31 October 2026 will only remain valid until 31 October 2026. From 1 November, the new training requirement becomes mandatory before taking the examination.
Do I need taxi entrepreneur training if I work for a taxi company?
Do I need taxi entrepreneur training if I work for a taxi company?
No. Taxi entrepreneur training is intended for people taking the official taxi entrepreneur examination. If you work as an employed taxi driver, you need a valid taxi driver licence but do not need to complete the separate entrepreneur training course.
Is special passenger group training mandatory for Kela and healthcare transport?
Is special passenger group training mandatory for Kela and healthcare transport?
Special passenger group training is not a general legal requirement for every taxi driver in Finland. However, Kela, wellbeing services counties and other transport service purchasers may require drivers to complete this training. It also provides valuable skills for safely assisting passengers with special needs.
Are official examination and licence fees included in the training prices?
Are official examination and licence fees included in the training prices?
No. An additional Traficom registration fee of €21 (VAT 0%) applies to Akkad's training courses. Official examinations organised through Ajovarma and taxi driver licence application fees are paid separately.
Can I receive taxi driver training or study materials in other languages?
Can I receive taxi driver training or study materials in other languages?
Yes. Akkad offers multilingual support for taxi training courses. While courses are primarily delivered in Finnish, additional support may be available in English, Arabic or Easy Finnish, depending on the course. Taxi Driver Basic Training study materials are available in Finnish, English, Swedish and Arabic.
Start Your Taxi Training with Akkad
Start Your Taxi Training with Akkad
At Akkad Group Oy, we offer Traficom-approved taxi industry training courses designed to make professional education accessible throughout Finland.
Most courses can be completed remotely using your own computer or smartphone. Training is primarily delivered in Finnish, with support available in English or Easy Finnish when needed.
Whether you are beginning your taxi career, renewing your licence or expanding your professional opportunities, we can help you find the right training.
VIEW UPCOMING TAXI TRAINING COURSES
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