How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who live in Poland find themselves having to switch their home country's driving license in order to obtain one in the Polish one. This is particularly the case for people who spend more than 185 days as a legal resident (documented by local address registration, visa or residence permit).
To accomplish this they must pass a series of tests and examinations. The most important are:
Medical Exam
To get a driver's licence to drive in Poland is a difficult task, especially for expats. The process begins with a medical test to determine if you're physically fit enough to drive. After that, you must take a written exam to prove your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety regulations. Finally, you will need to complete a series of practical driving lessons with a certified instructor in order to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on where you're from, the process can take up to 6 months or an entire year or more. Luckily, if you are an EU citizen or from a country that is a party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license will be accepted in Poland without having to exchange it. In addition you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) is suggested for those who reside in countries that are not part of the convention.
Even if you're an a resident of one of these countries, you still have to obtain a PKK as well as pass a medical examination. You must also bring the translation of your driver's license into Polish as well as a copy your passport, as well as the valid visa or proof of residency.
Once you have completed the necessary steps, you will be given a driving test time at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test is performed on an automated device and will comprise multiple-choice questions about traffic laws such as road signs, safety rules. The practical test is conducted by a certified driver and requires you to demonstrate the ability to drive a car including changing gears, maneuvering corners and parking.
As of June 2017, drivers working for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt will be required to possess a valid Polish driving license. New laws will force drivers to have an active Polish driving license or face insurance issues. Drivers from outside the Eurozone must also obtain an Polish license within 185 days after settling in Poland or risk having their license exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you have a driving licence issued in a country that is a member to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for an Polish licence after 185 days of legal residence, provided that your residency is documented by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or other document confirming your right remain. However, you will still have to pass the theoretical portion of the national examination, unless your foreign licence is attached to an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is a multi-part test that consists of a written part and a practical one. It is notoriously difficult, even for the Polish people, and a majority of them fail on their first or second attempt, despite much studying. There are several firms that promise to help you prepare for the test, but beware scams - they could make you pay and then not give you the preparations.
To book your theory test you must visit your nearest WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchudrogowego). At the time of registration, you will require a passport as well as your candidate driver profile (PKK). The cost for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you will need to sign up with your district authority (osdzie). (drogowy) (drogowy) for a practical test. This process usually lasts a few weeks particularly in cities with large populations. At this time you will need an PKK along with a passport, and a proof of your right to remain in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
If you pass the practical test, you will receive your driving licence within a couple of days. To do this you will need to present the same documents you have used to register your PKK and a proof of passing from the driving school. Driving in Poland is very enjoyable but it's also a responsibilities. If you want to drive safely, you must follow all the rules of the road - which includes wearing seat belts, adhering to speed limits, and obeying traffic signals. If you do not, you will be punished by the police. It is crucial to understand the Polish driving rules and etiquette.
Practical Exam
Before you can pass the practical exam you must enroll in driving school and complete several practical classes. You can locate a driving school in your location by searching online or asking your friends for suggestions. The course runs for a couple of weeks and is very affordable. In the lessons, you'll learn to drive and 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 consists of two parts that are practice and theory. The theory portion of the exam is available in a variety of languages, making it easier for non Polish speakers to prepare. In the state test practice you'll need to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge.
You'll also have to complete a first aid course and pass an eye test. You may be required to pass oral or written tests, based on the type of license you're pursuing.
When you apply for a Polish license You must also provide the original birth certificate and proof of identity. If you are not yet 18, you must have an official written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you are a non-native citizen, you need to submit a photocopy of your residence card or visa and an official document that proves your legal residence in Poland like an official certificate of study or a visa stamp.
After listen to this podcast have completed all of the requirements and passed all of the exams, you can apply for a Polish driving license at your local Voivodeship office. Make sure to bring your international driving permit if you have one, as well as all the required documents mentioned above. After you've provided all the required documents, your driving permit will be issued in two weeks. The driving license is valid for 15-years for drivers younger than 70 and three years for drivers older than 70. A driving license makes it easier to explore Poland and all it has to offer.
Registration
Like most countries in Europe the rules of the roads in Poland are generally simple. Seatbelts are mandatory and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited and speed limits are strictly enforced. However, certain specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be considered. For example foreigners looking to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical exam and undergo practical training.
The process does not come without challenges, especially for those who aren't fluent in Polish. But there are solutions such as driving classes offered by numerous language schools or private tutors who provide individual instruction and prepare students for the licensing exam. There are also many online resources to assist students in understanding Polish road signs, driving etiquette, and other aspects of driving.
A foreigner should have all the required documents required to apply for the driver's license. This includes the completed application form (which can be downloaded, but must be filled out by hand in Polish and Polish, so Google Translate is your best option), a medical certificate proving that the applicant is able to drive, and one current photograph that is of the right size and format requirements.
If the applicant wants to be licensed in categories C or D they will also need to pass an oral and a written exam that covers the types of vehicles and safety regulations. In addition 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 licence that they are able to use it in Poland up to 185 days after the date of legal residence. However, from June this will change: drivers who work for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are legally required to exchange their foreign license to one in the Polish one.
The new requirement was introduced to ensure the safety of passengers and to prevent the transportation of people on vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the standards. But it has already been condemned by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it could lead to longer wait times and higher prices for drivers.