How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland are forced to exchange their home driving license in their country for one issued by Poland. This is especially true for those who have lived in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented by a local address registration or visa or residence permit).
To do this, they must pass a series tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Examination
It is difficult to obtain a driving permit in Poland particularly for foreigners. The process starts with a medical test to determine if you are physically fit enough to drive. The next step is to pass a written theory exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety rules. You will also need to undergo a series of driving lessons with an instructor who is certified to demonstrate that you can safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process may take as little as 6 months or one year or more. Luckily, if you are an EU citizen or one of the countries that are parties to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license will be accepted in Poland without the need to exchange it. In addition, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a must for those who reside in countries that aren't part of the convention.
Even if you're a citizen of one of these nations, you will still need to obtain a PKK and pass a medical examination. You'll also need to carry a translation of your driver's licence into Polish, as well as a copy your passport and proof of residence or a valid visa.
After you have completed all the required steps, you will be offered a test date at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test will be administered by an automated machine. It will consist of multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safety regulations. The test in practice will be administered by a licensed instructor. It will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a car and change gears, navigating curves and parking.
As of June 2017, drivers who work for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt will be required to hold a valid Polish driving license. The new laws will require drivers to have an active Polish driving license or face insurance problems. Drivers who reside outside of the Eurozone must also get an Polish license within 185 days after settling in Poland or risk having their license revoked.
Theory Exam
If you own a driver's licence issued in a country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for an Polish licence after 185 days of legal residency, provided that your residency is proven by a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or another document confirming your right to reside. However, you'll have to pass the theoretical portion of the national test, unless your foreign licence is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multi-part test that consists of a written section and a practical one. It is notoriously difficult even for Polish people, and most of people fail on their first or second try despite a lot of study. in polen führerschein machen will help you prepare for the test. Beware of scams that promise to take your money but never provide you with the practice.
To schedule your theory exam to take it, go to your local WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchudrogowego). You will require your passport as well as the candidate driver profile (PKK) when you register. A fee for the theoretical portion of the exam is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you will need to register at your district authority (osdzie). (drogowy), to take a test. The process usually takes a few weeks, especially in large cities. You'll need your PKK, passport and document that proves you are legally entitled to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
After passing the practical test, you will receive your driving license within a few days. You'll need the same documents as you did to register your PKK and a certification from the driving school. Driving in Poland can be full of fun, but it also comes with the responsibility. If you want to drive safely, you must follow all the rules of the road. this includes using seat belts, adhering to speed limits and following traffic signals. If you do not you will be reprimanded by the police. It is important to know the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
Before you can sit for the practical test, you have to enroll in driving school and complete a number of practical lessons. You can locate a driving school in your local area by searching on the internet or asking around for suggestions. The course is affordable and lasts a few weeks. In the course, you will learn to drive and will be tested in driving theory.
The state exam that is the last step of getting a Polish license, is held at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The exam is split into two parts: the theory, and practice. The theory part is available in many languages, making it easier for non-Polish speakers to study. In the practice portion of the state examination, you must demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your abilities and knowledge.
You'll also have to take a course in first aid and an eye exam. Based on the kind of license you're seeking, you may need to take additional oral or written exams.
During the process of getting a Polish license you will also need to submit a copy of your birth certificate as well as proof of identity. If you are younger than 18 years old, you must submit a written consent of your parent or legal guardian. If you are a foreign citizen, you need to submit the photocopy of your residence card or visa as well as a document confirming your legal stay in Poland for example, a certificate of studies or a visa stamp.
After you have fulfilled all the requirements and passed all of the exams, you can apply for a Polish driving license at your local voivodeship office. Make sure you bring your international driving permit, if you have one, as well as all of the documents listed above. Once you've submitted all the required documents, your driving permit will be issued within two weeks. The license is valid for 15 years for those less than 70 and three years for those over 70. The possession of a driving permit will make it easier for you to move around Poland and explore everything it offers.
Registration
Like many countries in Europe, the rules of the road in Poland are generally straightforward. Seatbelts are required and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are firmly enforced. However, certain specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be taken into account. For instance, foreigners wanting to get a driver's license in Poland must pass a medical examination and practical lessons before they can take the state exam.
It is not an easy task, especially for those with limited Polish proficiency. But there are solutions such as driving classes offered by various private tutors or language schools, which provide individualized instruction and help students prepare for the licensing exam. In addition, there are various online resources that can assist students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving behavior.
Before applying for a driver's license the applicant must ensure that they have all the required documents in their possession. This includes the completed application form (which can be downloaded but must be completed by hand in Polish, so Google Translate is your best friend), a medical certificate that states that the applicant is able to drive, as well as a current photograph that meets size and format requirements.
If a candidate wishes to be licensed in categories C or D, they must also pass an oral and written test which covers vehicle types and safety regulations. In addition, a first aid course must be attended to learn how to react to accidents on the road.
Good news for those with an international driving permit, or foreign driving licence: they can use it in Poland for up to 185 days after their date of legal residence. Starting in June, this will change. Drivers working for ridesharing services like Bolt or Uber are now required to swap their foreign driving license for the Polish license.
The new rule was put in place to improve passenger safety and stop people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers that do not meet the required requirements. It has been criticized already by the ridesharing industry and politicians who believe that it will result in longer waiting times for drivers as well as increased costs for passengers.