How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland are forced to change their home country driving license for an Polish one. This is particularly true for those who have lived in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented by the registration of a local address or visa, or a residence permit).
To achieve this they must pass a string of tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Examination
It can be difficult to get an driving license in Poland, especially for foreigners. The process starts with a medical test to confirm that you're physically fit to drive. You will then have to take a written test to prove your knowledge of Polish safety and road regulations. Additionally, you will need to undergo a series of driving lessons with an instructor certified to show that you are able to safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process can take as little as 6 months or up to an entire year or more. If you are a citizen of the EU or a member of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving licence will be accepted in Poland without needing to exchange it. For citizens of countries that aren't included in the Vienna Convention or the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
However, even if are from one of these countries, you will need to obtain a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kilorowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and undergo a medical exam. You'll also need to bring a translation of your driver's licence into Polish, a copy of your passport, as well as the valid visa or proof of residence.
After you've completed all steps, you will be given a date for your driving test at your local road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego). right here will be taken on an automated machine and will consist of multiple-choice questions about traffic laws road signs, safety rules. The practical test is conducted by a certified driver and requires you to demonstrate your ability to drive a vehicle including changing gears, navigating corners and parking.
As of June 2017, drivers working for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt will be required to hold an active Polish driving license. The new laws will require that drivers possess an official Polish license or else face issues with car insurance. Drivers who are not part of the Eurozone must also get a Polish license within 185 days of arriving in Poland or risk having their license exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you are a holder of a driving licence issued by a country that is a signatory of the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with the Polish licence after 185 days, as long as your residency is confirmed by the registration of your address in Poland (Zameldowanie), visa, residence card or any other document that confirms your right to remain. However, you'll have to pass the theoretical portion of the national examination regardless of whether your foreign license is attached to an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multiple-part test comprised of a written portion and a practice one. Even the Polish find it difficult and many fail in their first or second attempts despite a lot of study. There are a variety of firms that promise preparation for the test, but beware of frauds by these companies - they might make you pay and then not give you the preparations.
Visit your nearest WORD office to plan your test. During the registration you will need a passport along with your profile as a driver candidate (PKK). The cost for the part that is theoretical is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam You must then register at the district authority office (osdzie (drogowy) (drogowy), for a practical examination. This process usually takes about a week, particularly in larger cities. At this time you will require an PKK along with a passport, and a document that confirms your right to reside in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
After passing the practical test, you will receive your driving licence within a few working days. You'll need the exact documents that you used to register your PKK along with a proof of the driving school. Driving in Poland is full of excitement, but also a great deal of responsibility. If you want to drive safely, you must obey all the rules of the road - which includes wearing seat belts, observing speed limits and obeying traffic signals. You could be fined by the police if do not. This is why it is so important to master the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
You will need to first enroll in an accredited driving school and then complete the series of lessons before you are able to take your test. You can find a driving school in your location by searching online or asking your friends for suggestions. The course is for a couple of weeks and is very affordable. In the course, you will learn to drive a vehicle and test your driving theory.
The final step in obtaining a Polish driving license is to pass the state exam. It is administered at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is divided into two parts that are practice and theory. The theory portion of the test is available in a variety of languages, which makes it easier for non Polish natives to prepare. In the state test practice you'll need to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge.
You'll also need to pass a course in first aid and eye examination. Depending on the kind of license you're planning to pursue, you might need to pass additional written or oral tests.
You must provide your birth certificate as well as identification documents when you apply for the Polish driving license. If you are younger than 18 years old, you must present written permission from your legal guardian or parent. If you are a foreign citizen, you must submit an image of your visa or residence card along with a document confirming your legal stay in Poland like an official certificate of study or visa stamp.
You can apply for your Polish driving licence at the local Voivodeship Office after you have met all the requirements and passed the tests. Bring your international driving permit If you have one as well as the other documents listed above. After you've provided all the required documents, your driving licence will be issued in two weeks. The driving license is valid for 15-years for drivers younger than 70, and for three years for those older than 70. The possession of a driving permit will make it easier to travel around Poland and explore everything it offers.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively straightforward in Poland, as they are in most European countries. Seatbelts are mandatory and drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited and speed limits are enforced. However, specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be taken into account. For example foreigners looking to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical exam and undergo practical training.
It's not an easy process particularly for those who have limited Polish proficiency. But there are solutions, such as driving courses provided by a variety of private tutors or language schools who provide individual instruction and help students prepare for the licensing test. There are many online resources to help students understand Polish road signs, driving etiquette, and other aspects of driving.
Foreigners must possess all the required documents before applying for a driver's license. Google Translate can help you complete the application form which is available for download, but must be completed by hand.
Additionally, if the candidate plans to pursue a license in categories C or D, they must be able to pass an oral and written exam that focuses on vehicle types and safety regulations. To learn how to handle road accidents, the applicant must also attend a course on first aid.
For those who have an international driving permit or foreign driving license, there's good news: they are able to use it in Poland for 185 days following their date of legal residency. Beginning in June the rules will change. Drivers working for ridesharing services such as Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their foreign driving license in exchange for one that is a Polish license.
The new rule was enacted to improve safety for passengers and stop the transportation of passengers on vehicles operated by drivers who don't meet the required requirements. The new requirement has already been criticized by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will lead to longer waiting times for drivers and higher prices.