More and more candidates are failing the driving theory test when they first attempt it.
In 2016 some 90 percent of candidates passed the test the first time they took it. Last year, that had fallen to 72 percent.
Both figures apply to learners enrolled at a driving school, as opposed to those who learn with a parent or other adult granted special permission to serve as an instructor.
This shift began in 2018, when the driving license legislation was overhauled. The number of teaching hours required was reduced, with the goal of making it cheaper to acquire a driving licence.
It also allowed people to learn to drive outside of driving schools, for the first time.
The theory test changed dramatically as a result of the reforms. Before 2018, students had to have at least ten theory lessons in a driving school, whereas now four online lessons are sufficient before taking the test.
Transport safety training coordinator Sami Kivilä says that although generalising is wrong and students are all individuals, there is a clear trend in the theory test results.
"Before the reform, students were present, things were discussed properly," says Kivilä. "There was also time to think. Remote students could be doing something else at the same time. The pass rate has clearly declined. That's visible in the numbers passing the theory test."
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Traficom writes theory test questions
Traficom, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, puts together the theory test. Marjo Immonen used to be part of the group designing the questions, but no longer does that work.
She says that part of the reason for the falling pass rate is that it got a little tougher as a result of the reforms.
"There were completely new risk evaluation questions," said Immonen. "The test is challenging, but if you remember to revise well, you'll pass. The current system gives much greater responsibility to the learner themselves than before."
Immonen says that overtaking and situations where drivers should give way are the most difficult questions in the test.
"There are lots of challenges in the rules about giving way, especially when you approach a triangle sign or you're at traffic lights," said Immonen. "In addition, one picture-based question about parking rules has been quite challenging."
The questions are only visible in the test, as Traficom does not publish them for others to read.
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