How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland are forced to switch their home country's driving license for a Polish one. This is especially true for those who have been in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented with the registration of a local address or visa or residence permit).
To achieve this, they must pass a series of tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Exam
It can be difficult to get a driving permit in Poland particularly for foreigners. The process begins with a medical exam to determine if you are physically fit to drive. Then you need to take a written exam to prove your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety regulations. You will also need to take a series of driving classes with an instructor certified to prove that you are able to safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on where you're from, the process may take up to 6 months, or one year or more. If you're a citizen of the EU or a member of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving license will be accepted in Poland without needing to exchange it. For those who are citizens of countries that are not included in the Vienna Convention or the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Even if you are an a resident of one of these countries, you'll still need to obtain a PKK as well as take a medical test. You'll also need to bring a translated version of your driver's licence into Polish and an original passport and proof of residency, or an official visa.
After you have completed all the required steps, you will be offered a test time at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test is conducted using an automated system and will comprise multiple choice questions on traffic laws such as road signs, safety regulations. The test on the practical side is conducted by a certified driver and requires you to demonstrate your 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 have a valid Polish driving license. The new laws will require that drivers have an official Polish license, or face car insurance issues. In addition, drivers from outside the Eurozone must obtain an Polish licence within the 185-day period after settling in Poland or risk losing their license.
Theory Exam
If you hold the driving license of the country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with the Polish licence after 185 legal days, as long as your residency is confirmed by an address registration for your local area (Zameldowanie), visa, residence card or any other document that proves your right to remain. You will still have to pass the part that is theoretical of the national test in the event that you hold an international driving license which is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The test for theory is divided into two parts that are written and a practical portion. It is notoriously difficult, even for the Polish people, and a majority of them fail on the first or second attempt even after a lot of studying. Many companies will help you prepare for the test. Beware of scams - they'll make you pay, but they will never offer you the necessary training.
To schedule your theory test you must visit your local WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchudrogowego). You'll require a passport and a candidate driver profile (PKK) when you register. A fee for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam, you need to sign up at the district authority office (osdzie Drogowy) for a practical exam. In most cases this process takes a week or two, especially in big cities. In this stage, you'll require a PKK along with a passport, and a document that confirms your right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
If you pass the practical test, you will be issued your driving license within few days. You will need the same documents you used to get your PKK and a certification from the driving school. Driving in Poland can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with an immense amount of responsibility. To drive safely, it is important to observe all road rules, which includes wearing the seat belt, obeying traffic signals and observing speed limits. You could be penalized by the police if you do not. This is why it is very important to learn Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
You'll need to enroll at a driving academy and complete a series of practical lessons before you are able to take your practical exam. You can search the internet for driving schools in your area or ask around for recommendations. The course is for a few weeks and is very affordable. In visit the up coming article will learn to drive a car and also be assessed on the theory of driving.
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 exam is divided into two parts: the theory, and practice. The theory portion of the exam is offered in a variety of languages, making it easier for non Polish natives to prepare. During the practice part of the state exam you will be required to demonstrate your ability to drive by showing your skills and knowledge.
You will also be required to complete a first aid and an eye test. Based on the type of license you're planning to pursue, you might need to pass additional written or oral exams.
In order to obtain a Polish license You must also provide an original birth certificate and evidence of your identity. If you are younger than 18 years old, you'll need the written consent of your parent or legal guardian. If you are a non-native citizen, you need to submit the photocopy of your residence card or visa along with the document that confirms your legal residency in Poland, such as an official certificate of study or a visa stamp.
Once you have met all of the requirements and passed all of the exams, you can apply for a Polish driving license at the local voivodeship office. Make sure to bring your international driving permit if you have one, and all of the necessary documents mentioned above. Once you have all of the required documents the office will review them and issue your driver's license within two weeks. The driving license is valid for 15 years for drivers younger than 70, and for three years for those older than 70. A driving permit will make it easier to explore Poland and everything it offers.
Registration
Like most countries in Europe, the rules of the roads in Poland are generally straightforward. Seatbelts are mandatory and alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden and speed limits are enforced. However, specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be taken into consideration. For example foreigners wishing to get their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical examination and undergo practical training.
It's not an easy task especially for those with limited Polish proficiency. But there are solutions such as driving classes provided by a variety of language schools or private tutors that offer individualized instruction and help students prepare for the licensing examination. Additionally, there are various online resources that can help a student to understand Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
A foreign national should have all the required documents required to apply for an driver's license. Google Translate can help you fill out the application form which is available for download, but must be completed by hand.
In addition, if the applicant is planning to pursue a license in categories C or D, they must be able to pass an oral and written exam that focuses on vehicle types and safety regulations. Additionally the first aid course must be taken to learn how to react to road accidents.
There's good news for those who have an international driving permit, or a foreign driving license that they are able to use it in Poland up to 185 days after the date of their legal residence. Beginning in June, this will change. Drivers who work for ridesharing services such as Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their driving licenses from abroad to one that is a Polish license.
The new rule was put in place to increase safety for passengers and to prevent people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers that do not meet the required standards. The new requirement has already been criticized by riders and politicians who believe it will lead to longer waiting times for drivers as well as more expensive prices.