How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland find themselves having to exchange their home country's driving license to an Polish one. This is especially true for those who spend more than 185 days as a legal resident (documented by local address registration or visa).
To accomplish this, they have to pass a number of tests and exams. The most important ones are:
Medical Examination
The process of getting a driver's license to drive in Poland is a difficult job, especially for expats. The process begins with a medical exam to determine if you are physically fit enough to drive. The next step is to pass a written test to prove your knowledge of Polish safety and road regulations. Additionally, you will need to take a series of driving classes with an instructor certified to demonstrate that you are able to safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Based on the country of your birth, the process could take up to 6 months or longer. If you are a citizen of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving license will be accepted in Poland without the need to exchange it. For citizens of countries that aren't included in the Vienna Convention and not part of the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Even if you're an a resident of one of these countries, you will still need to obtain a PKK as well as be able to pass a medical exam. You'll also have to carry a translation of your driver's license into Polish as well as a copy your passport and proof of residence or a valid visa.
Once you have completed the necessary steps, you'll be offered a test date at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The theoretical test will be taken on an automated machine and will comprise multiple-choice questions about traffic laws such as road signs, safety rules. The practical test is conducted by a certified driver. It requires you to demonstrate your ability to drive a car including changing gears, navigating corners and parking.
As of June 2017, drivers working for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt will be required to hold a valid Polish driving license. New laws will force drivers to hold an official Polish driving license or face insurance problems. In addition, drivers who are outside the Eurozone must obtain a Polish licence within 180 days of arriving in Poland or risk exchanging their license.
Theory Exam
If you hold a driving license issued by a country that is a member to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for the Polish license after 185 consecutive days of legally residing in the event that your residence is documented by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or another document confirming your right remain. You must still pass the theory portion of the national test regardless of whether you have an international driving license that is accompanied by a International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multi-part test consisting of a written portion and a practice one. It is notoriously difficult, even for Polish people, and most of them fail on their first or second attempt, despite much studying. There are a variety of firms that promise preparation for the exam, but beware of their swindles - they may be able to take your money and not give you the preparations.
Visit your nearest WORD office to schedule your theory test. You will need your passport and the candidate driver profile (PKK) during registration. The fee for the part that is theoretical is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam, you need to sign up at your district authority office (osdzie Drogowy) to pass a practical exam. The process usually will take about a week especially in the larger cities. You'll need your PKK passport, passport and a document confirming that you are able to remain in Poland (Zameldowanie).
After the practical test has been passed, you can get your driving licence in some days. To obtain your licence, you'll be required to bring the same documents that you did for the registration of your PKK along with a valid certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland is very enjoyable but it's also a responsibilities. To ensure safety on the road it is crucial to follow all road rules, including wearing the seat belt, obeying traffic signals, and adhering to speed limits. If you don't you will be penalized by the police. It is crucial to understand the Polish driving rules and etiquette.
Practical Exam
You must first enroll in a driving academy and complete a series of practical lessons before you can take your test. You can find a driving school in your area by searching online or asking around for recommendations. The course is affordable and lasts a few weeks. In the lessons, you'll learn to drive a vehicle and be tested in driving theory.
The final step in obtaining an Polish driving license is to pass the state exam. It is administered at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is split into two parts: theory and practice. The theory portion of the exam is offered in several languages, making it easier for non Polish people to prepare. In the practice portion of the state exam you will be required to demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your skills and understanding.
You will also need to complete a first aid course and have an eye test. You may also need to pass oral or written tests based on the type of license you're looking to obtain.
During the process of getting a Polish license, you must also submit a copy of your birth certificate and identification proof. If you are less than 18 years old, you'll need an official written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you are a non-native citizen, you must submit an image of your residence card or visa and a document confirming your legal residency in Poland like an official certificate of study or visa stamp.
You can apply for a Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office once you have fulfilled all requirements and passed the exams. Make sure you bring your international driving permit if you have one, along with all of the documents listed above. Once you've submitted all the required documents, your driving licence will be issued within two weeks. The license is valid for 15 years for drivers who are younger than 70 and three years for drivers older than 70. The possession of a driving permit will make it much easier for you to get around Poland and explore all that it has to offer.
Registration
The rules of the road are simple in Poland the same way as they are in a majority of European countries. Seatbelts are mandatory and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are strictly enforced. There are some requirements to be adhered to by foreign drivers. For example foreigners looking to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical test and undergo practical training.
The process is not without difficulties, particularly for those who don't speak in Polish. There are wie viel kostet ein führerschein in polen , for instance, driving lessons offered by language schools or private tutors. These courses provide individual instruction to prepare students for the license exam. There are numerous online resources to aid students in understanding Polish road signs, driving etiquette and other aspects of driving.
A foreigner should have all of the necessary documents prior to applying for the driver's license. Google Translate can assist you to complete the application form that is available for download, but is required to be completed in person.
If the candidate wants to get a license in categories C or D, they must also pass an oral and a written test that covers the types of vehicles and safety regulations. To be able to handle road accidents, the candidate must also attend a course on first aid.
If you're a holder of an international driving permit or foreign driving license, there's great news: they are able to use it in Poland for 185 days after their date of legal residency. Beginning in June the rules will change. Drivers who work for ride-sharing companies like Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their driving licenses from abroad for one that is a Polish license.
The new rule was put in place to improve passenger safety and to prevent people from being transported in vehicles driven by drivers that don't meet the requirements. However, it has been criticized by ridesharing companies as well as politicians who believe it will result in longer waiting times and more expensive costs for drivers.