How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who live in Poland are forced to exchange their home driving license in their country for one issued by Poland. This is especially the case for those who spend more than the 185-day limit as a legal resident (documented by local address registration or visa).
To do that they need to pass a variety of tests and tests. The most important of these are:
Medical Exam
It is difficult to obtain an driving license in Poland particularly for foreigners. The process starts with a medical exam to confirm that you're physically fit enough to drive. The next step is to take a written exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety rules. You will also need to take a series driving lessons with a certified instructor to prove that you can safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process may take up to 6 months or up to an entire year or more. If you're a citizen of the EU or a member of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving licence will be accepted in Poland without having to exchange it. For those who are citizens of countries that are not included in the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
But, even if you are from one of these countries, you will require a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kierowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and take a medical exam. You will also need to bring the translation of your driver's licence into Polish and a copy of your passport and a valid visa or proof of residence.
After you have completed all the necessary steps, you will be given a driving test time at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test is taken on an automated machine and will comprise multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs and safety rules. The test on the practical side is conducted by a licensed driver and requires you to demonstrate your ability to drive a vehicle 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 possess an active Polish driving license. New laws will force drivers to possess an official Polish driving license or face insurance problems. In addition, drivers who are outside of the Eurozone must obtain an Polish license within 180 days of arriving in Poland or risk losing their license.
Theory Exam
If you have a driving license issued in the country that is a party to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for a Polish licence after 185 days of legal residency and if your residence is confirmed by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or other document confirming your right stay. However, you will still have to pass the theoretical part of the national exam regardless of whether your foreign license is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is a multiple-part test comprised of a written section and a practice one. Even the Polish find it difficult and many fail in their first or second attempts despite studying hard. There are a variety of firms that promise preparation for the test, but beware their swindles - they may take your money and never provide you with the necessary preparations.
To book your theory test, visit your local WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchudrogowego). You will require your passport as well as the candidate driver profile (PKK) during registration. A fee for the theoretical part of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam You must then sign up at your district authority office (osdzie Drogowy) to pass a practical exam. This process usually takes about a week, particularly in cities with large populations. You'll need your PKK along with a passport and a document that proves you are legally entitled to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
After the practical test has been completed, you will be able to get your driving licence within just a few 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 however, it's also a responsibilities. If you wish to drive safely, you must obey all the rules of the road - this includes using seat belts, obeying speed limits and obeying traffic lights. You will be fined by the police if don't. This is why it is very important to learn the Polish driving etiquette.
Führerschein will need to first enroll in an academy for driving and take an extensive series of practical classes before you can sit for your test. You can find a driving school in your local area by searching on the internet or asking around for suggestions. The course runs for a couple of weeks and is very affordable. In the course you will be taught how to drive a car and also be tested on the theory of driving.
The state test which is the final step in obtaining an Polish license, is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The exam is split into two parts: the theory and practice. The theory portion is available in many languages, making it easier for non-Polish speakers to prepare. During the practice part of the state examination you must demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your skills and knowledge.
You'll also have to pass a first-aid course and pass an eye test. You may need to pass oral or written tests based on the type of license you're pursuing.
You must provide your birth certificate and evidence of identity when you apply for an Polish driving license. If you are younger than 18 years old, you'll need an official written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you are an international citizen, you'll require a photocopy of your visa or residence card and any document that confirms your legal residence in Poland.
After you have fulfilled all of the requirements and passed all tests, you can apply for an Polish driving license at your local Voivodeship office. Bring your international driving permit, if you have it along with the other documents mentioned above. After you've submitted all required documents, your driving licence will be issued in two weeks. The driving license will be valid for 15 years for those less than 70, and three years for those who are older than 70. A driving license will make it much easier for you to move around Poland and explore everything Poland has to offer.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively easy in Poland the same way as they are in many European countries. Seatbelts are mandatory and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are firmly enforced. There are a few conditions that must be fulfilled by foreign drivers. For instance, foreigners wishing to get their driving license in Poland must undergo a medical examination and take practical classes before they can take the state examination.
It's not an easy process especially for those who have limited Polish proficiency. There are other options available, such as driving classes provided by language schools or private tutors. These classes offer specific instruction that prepares students for the licensing exam. In addition, there are various online resources that will help students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving behavior.
A foreign national should have all of the necessary documents before applying for the driver's license. This includes a completed application form (which is available for download but must be filled out in person in Polish which means that Google Translate is your friend) A medical certificate that states that the applicant is fit to drive, and one current photo that is in compliance with size and format requirements.
Furthermore, if a candidate intends to pursue a license under categories C or D, they need to be able to pass an oral and written exam that focuses on the types of vehicles and safety regulations. Finally, a first aid course must be taken to learn how to respond to road accidents.
If you have an international driving permit or a foreign driving license, there's great news: they are able to use it in Poland for 185 days from their date of legal residency. However, from June this will change: drivers working for ridesharing firms like Uber or Bolt are now required by law to exchange their license from abroad to a Polish one.
The new law was introduced to increase safety for passengers and prevent the transport of passengers on vehicles operated by drivers who do not meet the necessary standards. The new requirement has already been criticized by the ridesharing industry and politicians who believe that it will lead to longer waiting times for drivers and higher prices.