The Act on Driving Licences has been amended so that drivers can prove their right to drive using a mobile driving licence. The mobile driving licence is a free, optional service that can be downloaded into a mobile device and used in addition to the traditional driving licence.
On a press release, the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications presented mobile driving licence as "an electronic service that makes everyday life easier". The release also explains that "it is one practical example of the deregulation projects implemented by the Government".
The mobile driving licence has been tested by the Finnish Transport Safety Agency as part of its Autoilija ('Driver') application. Particular attention has been paid to ensuring the data protection and information security of the service before it is taken into public use, according to the information provided.
In future, also driving licences issued in the Faroe Islands and Greenland will be accepted for driving in mainland Finland for a maximum of one year after arriving in the country. This will apply to licences entitling to drive vehicles of category B and motorcycles. Exchanging the licence for a Finnish one requires the driver to complete the corresponding driver's examination.
Both amendments apply to mainland Finland.
The Government proposed on 10 January 2019 that the amendments to the Act on Driving Licences be adopted.
What next?
The President of the Republic is expected to approve the bill on 11 January 2019. The amendments to the Act are due to come into force on 1 February 2019.
