How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland are forced to exchange their country's driving license for one issued by Poland. This is particularly the case for those who spend more than 185 days as a legal resident (documented by local address registration, visa or residence permit).
To achieve this they must pass a series of tests and examinations. The most important ones are:
Medical Exam
It can be difficult to get a driving license in Poland especially for foreigners. The procedure starts with a medical examination to ensure you are physically fit enough to drive. Then you need to pass a written theory exam to prove your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety regulations. You must also undergo a series of driving lessons with a certified instructor to show that you are able to safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads.
Based on the country of your birth, the process could take 6 months or even longer. If you're a citizen of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your driver's license from your country will be accepted in Poland without having to exchange it. In addition an International Driving Permit (IDP) is suggested for those who reside in countries that aren't a part of the 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 undergo a medical exam. You will also need to bring the translation of your driver's license into Polish, a copy of your passport and the valid visa or proof of residence.
Once you have completed all steps, you will receive an appointment date for your driving test at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The theoretical test will be conducted using an automated system and will comprise multiple choice questions regarding traffic laws road signs, safety regulations. The test in practice will be administered by a licensed instructor and will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a vehicle that includes changing gears, driving around curves and parking.
At present, drivers employed by ridesharing firms like Uber or Bolt are not required to have a Polish driving license, however as of June 2017, this will change. The new laws will require drivers to hold a valid Polish driving license or face insurance problems. Drivers from outside the Eurozone must also get an Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk having their license exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you have an driving license issued by an country which is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with the Polish license after 185 legal days, provided your residency is documented through a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or any other document that proves your right to remain. You will still need to pass the part that is theoretical of the national examination in the event that you hold a foreign driving license that is accompanied by a International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multiple-part test comprised of a written portion and a practical one. Even the Polish find it difficult and many fail on their first or second attempt despite studying hard. There are several firms that promise to prepare you for the exam, but beware of scams - they could take your money and never provide you with the necessary preparations.
To book your theory test, visit the nearest WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). When you register, you'll need a passport along with your profile as a driver candidate (PKK). The fee for the part that is theoretical is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you will need to register at your district authority (osdzie). (drogowy), for a practical examination. This process usually takes about a week, particularly in larger cities. You'll need your PKK, passport and document that confirms that you have the right to remain in Poland (Zameldowanie).
After the practical test has been passed, you can get your driving license within just a few days. To do this you will need to bring the same documents you did for the registration of your PKK and a proof of passing from the driving school. Driving in Poland is a lot of fun, but it is also a responsibility. If you want to drive safely, you must obey all the rules of the road - which includes wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits and obeying traffic signals. If you don't you will be reprimanded by the police. This is why it is very important to learn Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
You'll need to enroll at an accredited driving school and then complete an extensive series of practical classes before you are able to take your practical exam. You can find a driving school in your area by searching online or asking your friends for suggestions. The course runs for a few weeks and is affordable. During the lessons you will learn how to drive a car and be tested in driving theory.
The final step to get a Polish driving license is to pass the state test. This is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is divided into two parts: theory and practice. The theory portion is available in several languages, making it simpler for non-Polish speakers to prepare. In the practice portion of the state examination you will be required to demonstrate your ability to drive by showing your abilities and understanding.
You will also be required to complete a first aid and an eye test. Depending on the type of license you're seeking, you may need to pass additional written or oral exams.
In order to obtain a Polish license You must also provide an original birth certificate as well as identification proof. If you are under 18 years old, you'll need the written consent of your parent or legal guardian. If you are an international citizen, you'll have to provide a photocopy of your visa or residence card along with any document that demonstrates your legal stay in Poland.
Once you have met 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 license If you have one along with the other documents mentioned above. Once you have all the required documents the office will process them and issue your driving license in about 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 will make it easier to travel around Poland and discover all it offers.
Registration
The rules of the road are easy in Poland, as they are in most European countries. Seatbelts are required and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are strictly enforced. However, specific requirements for foreign drivers need to be taken into consideration. For instance foreigners looking to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical test and take practical lessons.
The process does not come without challenges, particularly for those who don't speak in Polish. But there are solutions, such as driving classes provided by a variety of language schools or private tutors, which provide individualized instruction and prepare students for the licensing exam. There are many online resources to assist students in understanding Polish road signs, driving etiquette and other aspects of driving.
Before applying for a license, a foreigner should ensure they have all the required documents available. mouse click the next document includes an application form that is completed (which is available for download but must be completed by hand in Polish and Polish, so Google Translate is your best friend) and a medical certificate proving that the applicant is able to drive, and one current photograph that is of the right the requirements for size and format.
Furthermore, if a candidate is planning to pursue a license under categories C or D, they must also pass an oral and written exam that focuses on the type of vehicle and safety regulations. Finally the first aid course must be attended to learn how to react to accidents on the road.
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 from their date of legal residency. In June the rules will change. Drivers who are employed by ridesharing services such as Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their foreign driving license for one that is a Polish license.
The new rule was enacted to ensure the safety of passengers and to prevent the transportation of people on vehicles driven by drivers who don't meet the standards. It has been criticized already by the ridesharing industry and politicians who believe it will result in longer wait times for drivers and more expensive prices.