FINNISH DRIVING LICENSE

FINNISH DRIVING LICENSE
BY JOHN DAVIS

Here in the US, getting a driver's license is a right: You turn 16, drive a 10-minute lap, and you're licensed. In most other countries, however, it's not so simple; there, getting a driver's license is a privilege. Our Steven Chupnick experienced this firsthand when he slipped on the ice and went over the edge.

STEVEN CHUPNICK: In the far north of Europe lies Finland... a country full of beauty, history, road cars, and some of the strictest traffic laws in the world... but also with some of the world's longest words...

“I will now complete the first two steps of my driver’s license here at Vantaan Likene… let’s just say the driving school…” The word actually means driver training center, and this is just one of the stages everyone in Finland has to go through to obtain their full driver’s license…

MERJA NIKUNEN: Many people, even if they do very well in school, think it's easy. But it's not that simple; you have to show the instructor that you've mastered your driving skills, that you're in control of yourself and the vehicle, and that you drive safely.

SOT: Turn left…

STEVEN CHUPNICK: How was I? Well, we'll be fine—don't worry! As for the driving test, like most Americans, you get a provisional license. In Finland, you have to be at least 18 years old to get one. After that, there's a rigorous two-year process to get your permanent license. This one's valid until age 70, though. So, make sure you get a good photo and don't forget to smile.

Part of the process involves more training and learning, both in and out of the car.

ELINA UUSITALO: At the beginning, the candidate must complete a self-assessment in seven different categories, such as traffic situations and driving behavior.

STEVEN CHUPNICK: Here in Finland, safety is a top priority, and students learn to adapt to change.

KAIJA SAVOLAINEN: Of course, to promote the safety of all citizens, and we have achieved that through driving schools.

STEVEN CHUPNICK: In addition to actually driving, the students also learn how to maintain their vehicles. Big Brother constantly monitors them with random safety checks by the police.

TUIJA SAARINEN: We have so many traffic checks that people feel like they're going to get caught. We have breathalyzer tests and so on; we have so many speed checks that I think it's pretty good.

STEVEN CHUPNICK: And since Finland is a country with four seasons, drivers need to know how to maneuver the steering wheel in all conditions. This starts with the ice course. There, I experienced firsthand how training really pays off. There are few things more terrifying in life than being behind the wheel on an icy and snowy road when a moose suddenly runs across the road.

STEVEN CHUPNICK: We couldn't get out on the road at night to take lessons. Luckily, there are simulators like this one that help learners drive in all conditions.

The night simulator is an option for students and instructors when real driving isn't possible. But one thing is clear: it's just as challenging as driving in a car. So I needed some extra guidance. After finally mastering it, I asked two experienced Finnish drivers—rally champion Marcus Grönholm and F1 driver Heikki Kovalainen.

MARCUS GRONHOLM: When you're driving a rally, you're always thinking about the time and have to be fast. Okay, it's a bit similar in road traffic these days.

HEIKKI KOVALAINEN: In Finland, that's quite normal. People start very early. You don't have to be a Formula 1 driver to get a feel for it. In fact, most drivers in Finland get used to the car very early on.

STEVEN CHUPNICK: I had the opportunity to drive with Heikki on the track at Premier Park, a unique training course and conference center in Porvoo, to see how my emergency vehicle handling skills improved…

Okay, back to the actual question…

STEVEN CHUPNICK: So how was I? Will I get a driver's license?

MERJA NIKUNEN: Mmmm, after a few years of training?

STEVEN CHUPNICK: But do I get points for the name?

MERJA NIKUNEN: Um… please say.

STEVEN CHUPNICK: Okay, it's like "nichervoleskuskiskus..."

MERJA NIKUNEN: Uh, I'm not sure any Finn understands that... where you're going. So, it's like Vaantan... that's where we were."

STEVEN CHUPNICK: Exactly what she said.

Well, it looks like I still need a little more practice. So getting a driver's license in Finland is indeed a privilege... an idea we "Americans" could certainly afford here.