International Driving Permit for Finland
Finland drives on the right-hand side of the road, and its biggest seasonal challenge is winter, when snow tyres are legally required and roads can be icy for months. Headlights must be on day and night year-round, and drivers should watch for elk and reindeer, especially in the north and at dusk. For non-EU visitors an IDP is a helpful translation, while EU and EEA licences are accepted on their own.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Finland?
EU and EEA licences are valid in Finland, and other foreign licences are generally accepted for short visits, so an IDP is useful mainly as a translation.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 17 years
- Region
- Europe
- IDP
- Useful
Local languages: Finnish, Swedish
Driving in Finland: key facts
- Driving is on the right, with daytime running lights or dipped headlights mandatory at all times.
- Winter tyres are compulsory during the snowy months, and roads can stay icy from late autumn into spring.
- Elk and reindeer crossings are a real hazard, and speeding fines for high earners are scaled to income.
How to get your IDP for Finland
Getting your International Driving Permit for Finland takes only a few minutes:
- 1Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
- 2Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
- 3Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Finland.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Finland
Do I need an IDP to drive in Finland?
EU and EEA licences are valid as is, and many other foreign licences are accepted for short visits, so an IDP is useful rather than required. It mainly helps when your licence is not in the Latin alphabet.
Can I rent a car in Finland with a foreign licence?
Yes, rental companies accept valid foreign licences, and an IDP can support a non-EU licence. In winter, hire cars come fitted with the legally required snow tyres.
What side of the road does Finland drive on?
Finland drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to drive in Finland?
The minimum driving age is 17, but car rental firms typically require drivers to be at least 19 to 21 and may apply a young-driver fee.
Other countries in Europe
International Driving Permit for Finland
Apply in 2 minutes. Instant digital delivery, accepted in 189+ countries.
Start my application10,000+ customers · 98% approval rate