How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who live in Poland have to change their home country driving license to a Polish one. This is especially true for those who spend more than 185 days as a legal resident (documented by local address registration or visa).
To achieve this, they must pass a series tests and examinations. The most important are:
Medical Examination
To get a driver's licence In Poland is a challenging job, especially for foreigners. The procedure begins with a medical exam to confirm that you are physically fit enough to drive. The next step is to pass a written exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish safety and road regulations. You must also take a series driving lessons with a certified instructor to demonstrate that you are able to safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on where you're from, the process could take up to 6 months or a year or more. If you're an EU citizen or a country that is a party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license can be recognized in Poland without having to exchange it. In addition, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for those who reside in countries that aren't part of the Vienna Convention.
However, even if you are from one of these countries, you will need to obtain a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kierowce Driver Candidate Profile) and pass an exam for medical conditions. You'll also need to bring a translation of your driver's license into Polish as well as a copy your passport and proof of residency or an official visa.
After you have completed all steps, you will receive an appointment date for your driving test at the local road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test for theory will be conducted on an automated machine. It will consist of multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs and safety regulations. The test in practice will be administered by a licensed instructor. It will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a vehicle, including changing gears, maneuvering around curves and parking.
In June 2017, drivers working for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt will be required to hold a valid Polish driving license. The new laws will require drivers to possess an active Polish license, or else face issues with car insurance. Additionally, drivers from outside of the Eurozone will need to get an Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk exchanging their license.
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 a Polish license after 185 days of legally residing and if your residence is proven by a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or any other document confirming your right remain. You must still pass the theoretical portion of the national test regardless of whether you have an international driving permit which is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is a multi-part test consisting of a written section and a practical part. Even the Polish aren't able to pass it, and many fail on their first or second attempt even though they have studied hard. There are many firms that promise to help you prepare for the test, but beware of scams - they could be able to take your money and not provide you with the necessary preparations.
To schedule your theory exam you must visit your local WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). During the registration you will need a passport and your candidate driver profile (PKK). Learn Additional Here for the theoretical portion of the exam is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you will need to register at your district authority (osdzie). drogowy) for a practical exam. The process typically takes a few weeks, particularly in larger cities. You will require your PKK, passport and document confirming that you are able to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
If you pass the practical test, you will receive your driving licence within a few working days. To obtain your licence, you'll have to bring the same documents you have used to register your PKK along with a valid certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with the responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must obey all the rules of the road. this includes using seat belts, observing speed limits, and obeying traffic signals. If you do not, you will be punished by the police. This is why it is very important to learn the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
You must first enroll in an academy for driving and take an extensive series of practical classes before you can sit for your practical test. You can locate a driving school in your area by searching online or asking around for recommendations. The course runs for a couple of weeks and is very affordable. During the lessons you will learn to drive a vehicle and test your driving theory.
The final step to obtain the Polish driving license is the state test. It is administered at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The test is divided into two parts: theory, and practice. The theory part of the test is available in a variety of languages, which makes it easier for non Polish natives to prepare. During the state exam practice you'll need to demonstrate your driving abilities and knowledge.
You'll also need to pass a first-aid course and have an eye test. You may also need to take oral or written tests based on the type of license you're pursuing.
You must provide your birth certificate as well as proof of identity when applying for a Polish driving license. If you are under 18 years old, you need to have a written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you are an international citizen, you will have to provide a photocopy of your visa or residence card along with any document that demonstrates your legal residency in Poland.
You can apply for your Polish driving licence at the local Voivodeship Office when you have completed all requirements and passed the examinations. Bring your international driving permit, if you have it as well as the other documents mentioned above. After you've submitted all required documents, your driving licence will be issued within two weeks. The driving license will be valid for 15 years for drivers under the age of 70, and three years for those who are over 70. A driving license will make it easier for you to explore Poland and all it offers.
Registration
As with most countries in Europe, the rules of the road in Poland are generally straightforward. Seatbelts are mandatory and alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden and speed limits are enforced. However, some specific requirements for foreign drivers need to be considered. For example foreigners looking to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical exam and take practical lessons.
The process is not without difficulties, particularly for those who don't speak in Polish. There are other options available, for instance, driving lessons provided by language schools or private tutors. These courses provide individual instruction to prepare students for the licensing exam. In addition there are a variety of online resources that will help students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving behavior.
Foreigners must possess all the required documents required to apply for an driver's license. This includes the completed application form (which can be downloaded but must be completed by hand in Polish, so Google Translate is your best option) and a medical certificate proving that the applicant is fit to drive, as well as a current photo that is in compliance with dimensions and format requirements.
If a candidate wishes to obtain a license for categories C or D they must also pass an oral and written exam that covers vehicle types and safety regulations. In addition an initial aid course must be attended to learn how to react to accidents on the road.
If you're a holder of an international driving permit or a foreign driving license, there's great news: they'll be able to use it in Poland for 185 days from the date they have legal residency. However, beginning in June this will change: drivers who work for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are legally required to exchange their license from abroad for one in the Polish one.
The new law was enacted to enhance safety of passengers and prevent people from being transported in vehicles driven by drivers who don't meet the requirements. However, it has been criticised by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will result in longer waiting times and more expensive prices for drivers.