Activity

How to Get a Driving License in Poland

Many foreigners who reside in Poland have to exchange their home country’s driving license for one issued by Poland. This is particularly relevant for those who have lived in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented by the registration of a local address or visa or residence permit).

To achieve this, they must to pass several tests and exams. The most important of these are:

Medical Exam

The process of getting a driver’s license to drive in Poland is a difficult task, particularly for foreigners. The process begins with a medical examination to ensure that you are physically fit to drive. You must then take a written test to prove your understanding of Polish safety and road regulations. In addition, you’ll need to complete a series of driving classes with a certified instructor to prove that you can safely operate the vehicle on Polish roads.

Depending on where you are from, the process may take up to 6 months or up to an entire year or more. Luckily, if you are an EU citizen or a country that is party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license will be accepted in Poland without having to exchange it. For those who are citizens of countries that are not included in the Vienna Convention and not part of the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.

However, even if are from one of these countries, you’ll require a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kierowce Driver Candidate Profile) and undergo a medical exam. You must also bring the translation of your driver’s licence into Polish, a copy of your passport, and an original visa or proof of residence.

After you have completed all the necessary steps, you’ll be offered a test date at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The theory test will be conducted on an automated machine. It will consist of multiple-choice questions on traffic laws, road signs and safety regulations. The practical test is administered by a licensed driver and requires you to demonstrate the ability to drive a vehicle including changing gears, maneuvering corners and parking.

In June 2017, drivers who work for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt will be required to hold a valid Polish driving license. New laws will force drivers to possess an active Polish driving license or face insurance issues. Drivers who are not part of the Eurozone must also get a Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk having their license exchanged.

Theory Exam

If you hold a driving licence issued in a country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for the Polish license after 185 days of legal residence in the event that your residence is proven by a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or other document that confirms your right to reside. You must still pass the theoretical portion of the national test in the event that you hold an international driving permit that is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.

The test for theory is divided into two parts one written and the other practical part. Even the Polish struggle with it and many fail their first or second attempts despite studying hard. Many companies offer to help you prepare for the test. Beware of scams – they will take your money, but not offer you the necessary practice.

To book your theory test, visit the nearest WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). When you register, you’ll require a passport as well as your profile as a driver candidate (PKK). The cost for the part that is theoretical is 30 PLN.

After passing browse around this site must then sign up at your district authority office (osdzie drogowy) to pass a practical exam. The process usually takes a few weeks, particularly in larger cities. At this time you will require an PKK as well as a passport and a document that confirms your right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).

After the practical test has been passed, you can get your driving licence in just a few days. To do this you will need to present the same documents you did for the registration of your PKK along with a valid certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland is an enjoyable experience however, it’s also a responsibilities. If you wish to drive safely, you must follow all the rules of the road. this includes using seat belts, obeying speed limits and obeying traffic signals. You could be penalized by the police if you do not. It is crucial to understand the Polish driving etiquette.

Practical Exam

Before you can sit for the test you must be enrolled in an driving school and pass some practical lessons. You can find a driving school in your area by searching online or asking around for recommendations. The course runs for a couple of weeks and is extremely affordable. During the lessons you will learn how to drive a car and test your driving theory.

The final step to get the Polish driving license is passing the state exam. It is administered at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is split into two parts: the theory, and practice. The theory portion is offered in a variety of languages, making it simpler for non-Polish-speaking candidates to prepare. During the state exam practice, you will need to demonstrate your driving skills and understanding.

You will also need to complete a first aid course and pass an eye test. You may need to pass oral or written tests, based on the type of license you’re looking to obtain.

You must submit your birth certificate and proof of identity when applying for the Polish driving license. If you are younger than 18 years old, you need to have a written consent from your legal guardian or parent. If you are a non-native citizen, you must submit an image of your visa or residence card along with the document that confirms your legal stay in Poland, such as the certificate of studies or a visa stamp.

You can apply for your Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office after you have completed all requirements and passed the examinations. Bring your international driving permit If you have one, and the other documents mentioned above. Once you have all the required documents the office will review them and issue your driver’s license within two weeks. The license will be valid for 15 years for those who are younger than 70, and three years for those over 70. The possession of a driving permit will make it much easier for you to move around Poland and discover all it offers.

Registration

The rules of the road are relatively easy in Poland the same way as they are in a majority of European countries. Seatbelts are compulsory and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited, and speed limits are enforced. There are a few requirements that must be met by foreign drivers. For instance, foreigners wishing to get a driver’s license in Poland must take a medical exam and practical lessons before they can take the state exam.

It is not an easy process especially for those with a limited Polish proficiency. There are other options, like driving classes offered by language schools as well as private tutors. These classes offer individual instruction to prepare students for the test. In addition there are a variety of online resources that will help students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving behavior.

Before submitting an application for a license the applicant must ensure they have all required documents available. This includes a completed application form (which is available for download but must be filled out in person in Polish which means that Google Translate is your best friend) A medical certificate stating that the applicant is able to drive, and a current photo that is in compliance with size and format requirements.

Furthermore, if a candidate intends to pursue a license in categories C or D, they must be able to pass an oral and written test that is focused on vehicle types and safety regulations. Additionally, a first aid course must be attended to learn how to respond to road accidents.

If you’re a holder of an international driving permit or a foreign driving license, there’s good news: they are able to use it in Poland for 185 days following the date they have legal residency. Beginning in June, this will change. Drivers working for ride-sharing companies like Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their foreign driving license in exchange for one that is a Polish license.

The new law was enacted to improve passenger safety and prevent people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the required requirements. It has already been criticized by the ridesharing industry and politicians who believe it will result in longer waiting periods for drivers and increased costs for passengers.