How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland are required to exchange their driving license to one issued by Poland. This is particularly relevant for those who have lived in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented with an address registration for local addresses or visa or residence permit).
To do this, they must pass a series tests and examinations. The most important ones are:
Medical Exam
The process of getting a driver's license in Poland is a difficult job, especially for those who are expats. The procedure starts with a medical examination to ensure you are physically fit to drive. Then you need to take a written exam to prove your understanding of Polish road rules and safety rules. Finally, you will need to complete a series of driving classes with a qualified instructor to prove your competency to operate an automobile on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process could take 6 months or even longer. If you're a citizen of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your driver's license from your country will be accepted in Poland without the need to exchange it. In addition, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for citizens of countries that aren't a part of the Vienna Convention.
Even if you're a citizen of one of these countries, you'll still need to get a PKK and take a medical test. You will also be required to bring a translated version of your driver's licence in Polish as well as an original passport and proof of residency, or an official visa.
Once you have completed the necessary steps, you will be offered a test time at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test will be administered by an automated machine. It will comprise multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs and safety regulations. The test on the practical side is conducted by a certified driver and requires you to demonstrate your ability to drive a vehicle including changing gears, navigating corners and parking.
Currently, drivers employed by ridesharing firms such as Uber or Bolt are not required to have an Polish driving license, however in June 2017, this will change. New laws will require drivers to have a valid Polish driving license or face insurance problems. Drivers from outside the Eurozone must also obtain an Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk having their licenses exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you have a driving licence issued by an country that is a signatory of the Road Traffic Convention you can swap it out for an Polish license after 185 legal days, as long as your residency is documented through an address registration for your local area (Zameldowanie) or visa, residence card or any other document that proves your right to remain. You will still need to pass the theoretical portion of the national test in the event that you hold an international driving permit that is accompanied by a International Driving Permit.
The test for theory is divided into two parts that are written and a practical part. Even the Polish struggle with it and many fail their first or second attempts despite studying hard. There are several companies that offer preparation for the test, but beware frauds by these companies - they might make you pay and then not provide you with the necessary preparations.
Visit your nearest WORD to plan your test. You will need your passport and the candidate driver profile (PKK) during registration. The fee for the theoretical part of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you must sign up with your district authority (osdzie). Drogowy) for a practical test. The process usually takes a week or two, especially in big cities. You will need your PKK along with a passport and a document that proves you are legally entitled to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
After passing the practical test, you will be issued your driving license within a few working days. You'll need the same documents that you used to obtain your PKK plus a certificate of the driving school. Driving in Poland is an enjoyable experience but it's also a responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must adhere to all the rules of the road - this includes using seat belts, observing speed limits and following traffic lights. If you do not you will be reprimanded by the police. It is essential to be aware of the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
You'll need to enroll at an accredited driving school and then complete the series of lessons before you can take your test. You can find a driving school in your location by searching online or asking your friends for recommendations. The course lasts for a couple of weeks and is affordable. During the lessons you will learn to drive a vehicle and will be tested in driving theory.
The state exam which is the final step to obtain a Polish license, is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The test is divided into two parts: the theory, and practice. The theory part of the exam is available in several languages, which makes it easier for non Polish natives to prepare. When you take the state exam, you will need to demonstrate your driving skills and understanding.
You will also be required to take a course in first aid and an eye exam. You may need to take oral or written tests based on the type of license you're looking to obtain.
When you apply for a Polish license, you must also submit an original birth certificate and identification proof. If you are younger than 18 years old, you'll need a written consent of your parent or legal guardian. If you are an international citizen, you will need to submit a photocopy your residence card or visa and any document that demonstrates your legal stay in Poland.
You can apply for your Polish driving licence at the local Voivodeship Office when you have fulfilled all requirements and passed the examinations. Bring your international driving license, if you have it along with the other documents listed above. Once you've submitted all the required documents, your driving permit will be issued within two weeks. The driving 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 to travel around Poland and explore all that it offers.
Registration
The rules of the road are simple in Poland like they are in a majority of European countries. Seatbelts are mandatory and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are rigorously enforced. However, specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be considered. For example foreigners wishing to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical test and undergo practical training.
It's not an easy process particularly for those with a limited Polish proficiency. There are other options, for instance, driving lessons provided by language schools or private tutors. führerschein schnellkurs polen provide individual instruction to prepare students for the test. In addition, there are various online resources that can assist a student to understand Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
Before applying for a driver's license the applicant must ensure that they have all required documents in their possession. This includes a completed application form (which is available for download but must be completed by hand in Polish, so Google Translate is your friend) and a medical certificate that states that the applicant is fit to drive, and one current photograph that meets the requirements for size and format.
If the applicant wants to obtain a license for categories C or D, they must also pass an oral and written test that covers vehicle types and safety regulations. Additionally an initial aid course must be attended to learn how to react to accidents on the road.
There's good news for those who have an international driving permit or foreign driving license that they are able to use it in Poland up to 185 days after the date of their legal residence. Starting in June, this will change. Drivers working for ridesharing services like Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their foreign driving license to one that is a Polish license.
The new requirement was implemented to improve passenger safety and to prevent people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers who don't meet the standards. The new requirement has already been criticized by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will lead to longer wait times for drivers and increased costs for passengers.