How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland are required to exchange their home 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, a visa or a residence permit).
To accomplish this they must pass a string of tests and examinations. The most important of these are:
Medical Exam
It is difficult to obtain a driving permit in Poland especially for foreigners. The process starts with a medical examination to determine if you're physically fit enough to drive. You will then have to take a written test to prove your understanding of Polish safety and road rules. Finally, you will need to complete a series of practical driving lessons with a qualified instructor to prove that you can safely operate the vehicle on Polish roads.
Based on the country of your birth, the process could take up to 6 months or longer. 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 the need to exchange it. Alternately an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for citizens of countries that are not part of the Vienna Convention.
Even if you're a citizen of one of these nations, you'll still need to obtain a PKK as well as be able to pass a medical exam. You'll also need to bring a translation of your driver's licence into Polish as well as a copy your passport and a valid visa or proof of residence.
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 taken on an automated machine and will consist of multiple choice questions regarding traffic laws road signs, safety regulations. The test on the practical side is conducted by a certified driver. It requires you to demonstrate your ability to drive a car 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. The new laws will require drivers to possess an official Polish license, or else face issues with car insurance. Drivers who are not part of the Eurozone must also obtain a Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk having their license revoked.
Theory Exam
If you have the driving license of the country that is a signatory of the Road Traffic Convention you can swap it out for an Polish licence after 185 days, as long as your residency is confirmed by an address registration for your local area (Zameldowanie) or visa, residence card or any other document that confirms your right to remain. You will still need to pass the theoretical portion of the national examination unless you have an international driving license that is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multiple-part test comprised of a written part and a practical one. It is notoriously difficult even for the Polish people, and the majority of them fail on their first or second try despite a lot of study. There are several companies that offer to help you prepare for the test, but beware scams - they could be able to take your money and not provide the training you need.
To schedule your theory exam, visit your local WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). When you register, you'll need a passport and your candidate driver profile (PKK). A fee for the theoretical part of the exam is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you must sign up with your district authority (osdzie). (drogowy), for a practical examination. This process usually takes a few weeks, particularly in larger cities. You'll need your PKK along with a passport and a document confirming that you have the right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
Once the practical exam is completed, you will be able to get your driving licence within a few days. You'll need the exact documents as you did to register your PKK plus a certificate of the driving school. Driving in Poland is full of fun, but it also comes with an immense amount of responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must adhere to all the rules of the road. which includes wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits and following traffic lights. You could be penalized by the police if you don't. It is crucial to understand the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
Before you can pass the practical exam you must be enrolled in a driving school and pass some practical lessons. You can search online for driving schools in your area or ask for suggestions. The course is affordable and takes a few weeks. In the course, you will learn to drive and be tested in driving theory.
The final step in obtaining a Polish driving license is passing the state test. It is administered at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is split into two parts: theory, and practice. The theory portion is available in several languages, making it easy for non-Polish speakers to prepare. During the practice part of the state examination you will be required to demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your abilities and knowledge.
You'll also need to pass a course in first aid and eye examination. Based on the type of license you're seeking, you may need to take additional oral or written exams.
In order to obtain a Polish license you will also need to submit the original birth certificate and evidence of your identity. If you are less than 18 years old, you must submit an official written consent from your legal guardian or parent. If you are an international citizen, you'll have to provide a photocopy of your residence card or visa along with any document that demonstrates your legal residence in Poland.
After you have fulfilled all of the requirements and passed all of the examinations, you are eligible to apply for a Polish driving license at your local voivodeship office. Make sure you bring your international driving permit, if you have one, along with all of the necessary documents listed above. Once you have all of the necessary documents the office will process them and issue your driver's license in about two weeks. The license is valid for 15 years for those under the age of 70 and three years for those over 70. A driving permit will make it easier to explore Poland and all it offers.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively straightforward in Poland, as they are in many European countries. Seatbelts are mandatory, alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited and speed limits are enforced. There are some conditions that must be fulfilled by foreign drivers. For instance, foreigners wanting to obtain a driving license in Poland must undergo a medical examination and practical lessons before they can sit for the state examination.
It's not an easy process, especially for those with limited Polish proficiency. There are other options available, such as driving classes offered by language schools as well as private tutors. These classes provide individual instruction to prepare students for the licensing exam. There are also many online resources that can aid students in understanding Polish road signs, driving etiquette and other aspects of driving.
A foreign national should have all the required documents required to apply for a driver's license. This includes an application form that is completed (which can be downloaded but must be completed by hand in Polish which means that Google Translate is your best friend), a medical certificate that states that the applicant is fit to drive, as well as a current photo that is in compliance with dimensions and format requirements.
In addition, if the applicant is planning to pursue a license under categories C or D, they need to take an oral and a written test that focuses on the type of vehicle and safety regulations. Finally the first aid course must be attended to learn how to react to road accidents.
For those who have an international driving permit or foreign driving license, there's great news: they are able to use it in Poland for 185 days from the date they have legal residency. However, starting in June this will change: drivers working for ridesharing firms like Uber or Bolt are legally required to exchange their foreign license for a Polish one.
motorrad führerschein polen was put in place to improve passenger safety and to prevent people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers who don't meet the standards. However, it has been condemned by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will result in longer waiting times and more expensive costs for drivers.