Can I Drive in Finland?
- turbodank23
- Posts: 82
- Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2003 6:17 am
- Location: Three Mile Island
Can I Drive in Finland?
I am a american citzen. Can I drive legally in helsinki?
Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.
-- Ernest Hemingway
-- Ernest Hemingway
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- Posts: 326
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 6:50 am
- Location: Espoo
If you have a valid US driver's license then yes you may drive in Helsinki...BUT what you do need to do is visit the local AAA office in the states and get an International Driver's License. The one I bought last July is good for one year only and was issued within 15 minutes at a local AAA office for about 45 US dollars.
Because of some treaty, this is valid for driving in Finland. On the other hand, if you are here in Finland already, NO a US by itself is NOT valid.
Any questions, email me at [email protected]
Trish
Is you have BOTH, then BOTH must be with you at all times when driving and shown to the police if stopped.
Because of some treaty, this is valid for driving in Finland. On the other hand, if you are here in Finland already, NO a US by itself is NOT valid.
Any questions, email me at [email protected]
Trish
Is you have BOTH, then BOTH must be with you at all times when driving and shown to the police if stopped.
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- Posts: 326
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 6:50 am
- Location: Espoo
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- Posts: 326
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 6:50 am
- Location: Espoo
Just to clarify a bit:
Before I left the US, I contacted the Finnish Embassy in Washington DC about the driving issue. I was told that if a police officer pulled me over in Finland, that the only way for him or her to know my driver's license was indeed " valid" was for me to have an appropriate International Permit. This in no way substitutes for a license.It is documentation I guess for the validity of my US license....since I watched then do a quick check on me before it was issued.
I have a brother who travels throughout the EU alot and also informed me (before I left) that he renews his once a year. ( for business and so forth)
Ive heard, as Jason has mentioned, that after a year it is illegal. Since I plan to remain in Finland, I better learn to drive that stick thingie:)...and take the test in Finnish:)
Before I left the US, I contacted the Finnish Embassy in Washington DC about the driving issue. I was told that if a police officer pulled me over in Finland, that the only way for him or her to know my driver's license was indeed " valid" was for me to have an appropriate International Permit. This in no way substitutes for a license.It is documentation I guess for the validity of my US license....since I watched then do a quick check on me before it was issued.
I have a brother who travels throughout the EU alot and also informed me (before I left) that he renews his once a year. ( for business and so forth)
Ive heard, as Jason has mentioned, that after a year it is illegal. Since I plan to remain in Finland, I better learn to drive that stick thingie:)...and take the test in Finnish:)
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- Posts: 326
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 6:50 am
- Location: Espoo
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- Posts: 326
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 6:50 am
- Location: Espoo
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- Posts: 326
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 6:50 am
- Location: Espoo
I think one point has been missed in this thread.."Can you drive in Finland!"
Forget the legal points..what about the practical ones..
your are just 20..have you ever driven a non automatic car.?
have you ever driven on packed snow/ice.?
Have you ever driven on packed snow/ice in the VERY dark through a forest?
Have you ever met an Elk/reindeer/bear that will not move from the middle of the road!?
Have I forgotten few...like Finnish Bus drivers/trams?
Forget the legal points..what about the practical ones..
your are just 20..have you ever driven a non automatic car.?
have you ever driven on packed snow/ice.?
Have you ever driven on packed snow/ice in the VERY dark through a forest?
Have you ever met an Elk/reindeer/bear that will not move from the middle of the road!?
Have I forgotten few...like Finnish Bus drivers/trams?
The current cost is 40 € plus whatever it is for the medical certificate and two passport sized photos. If you're from the EU or the EEA, you don't need the medical certifcate but it is 1,30 € more expensive!
Exchanging a driving licence issued in a country that has signed the Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention
Exchanging a driving licence issued in a country that has signed the Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention
- turbodank23
- Posts: 82
- Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2003 6:17 am
- Location: Three Mile Island
reply
To answer your questions yes I can drive manual car, Yes I can drive on packed snow and ice I actually sometimes enjoy it. I also can ride a motorcycle, snowmobile, atv pretty much anything. I grew up in a very small town where you could get away with driving illegaly so i've drove stick since I was like 14-15. I mean I didnt drive all the time but I could go a couple blocks with out getting caught just some joy riding!!!! thanks everyone for input
Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.
-- Ernest Hemingway
-- Ernest Hemingway