How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who live in Poland are forced to switch their home country's driving license for an Polish one. This is especially the case for those who spend more than 185 days as a legal resident (documented by local address registration or visa).
To accomplish this, they have to pass several tests and exams. The most important of these are:
Medical Exam
It is difficult to obtain an driving license in Poland, especially for foreigners. The process starts with a medical examination to determine if you are physically fit enough to drive. The next step is to pass a written theory exam to prove your understanding of Polish road rules and safety rules. Additionally, kosten führerschein polen will need to take a series of driving classes with an instructor certified to demonstrate that you are able to safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process could take anywhere from 6 to 12 months or longer. Luckily, if you are an EU citizen or from a country that is party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license can be recognized in Poland without having to exchange it. For citizens of countries that aren't included in the Vienna Convention or the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Even if you're a citizen of one of these countries you will still need to get a PKK and pass a medical examination. You will also need to bring an official translation of your driver's license into Polish and a copy of your passport, as well as the valid visa or proof of residence.
After you have completed the required steps, you will be offered a test date at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The theoretical test will be performed on an automated device and will consist of multiple-choice questions about traffic laws road signs, safety regulations. The practical test is conducted by a licensed driver and requires you to demonstrate the ability to drive a car such as changing gears, driving around corners and parking.
Currently, drivers employed by ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are not required to hold an Polish driving license. However, in June 2017 the situation will change. The new laws will require drivers to have a valid Polish license, or face car insurance issues. Drivers who reside outside of the Eurozone must also obtain a Polish license within 185 days of arriving in Poland or risk having their license exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you have an driving license issued by a country that 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 by the registration of your address in Poland (Zameldowanie), residence card, visa, or any other document that confirms your right to remain. You will still need to pass the theory portion of the national test unless you have an international driving permit which is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is a multi-part test that consists of a written part and a practice one. It is notoriously difficult, even for the Polish people, and a majority of people fail on their first or second attempt even after a lot of studying. Many companies offer to help you prepare for the test. Beware of scams that promise to make you pay, but they will never offer you the necessary preparation.
Visit your nearest WORD office to schedule your theory test. You'll require a passport and a candidate driver profile (PKK) at the time of registration. The cost for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam You must then register at the district authority office (osdzie (drogowy) (drogowy) for a practical test. The process typically lasts a few weeks particularly in larger cities. At this point, you'll require an PKK along with a passport, and a document confirming your right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
After passing the test, you will receive 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. If you wish to drive safely, you must follow all the rules of the road. which includes wearing seat belts, observing speed limits and obeying traffic lights. If you don't you will be penalized by the police. This is why it is very important to master the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
You'll need to enroll at a driving academy and complete the series of lessons before you can take your practical exam. You can locate a driving school in your local area by searching on the internet or asking your friends for recommendations. The course is for a few weeks and is affordable. In the course, you will learn how to drive a car and will be tested in driving theory.
The final step to get an Polish driving license is the state exam. It is administered at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam has two parts that are practice and theory. The theory portion is available in a variety of languages, making it easier for non-Polish speakers to study. In the practice portion of the state exam you must demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your skills and understanding.
You'll also have to complete a first aid and an eye test. You may be required to pass oral or written tests, based on the type of license you're pursuing.
During the process of getting a Polish license you will also need to submit a copy of your birth certificate as well as evidence of your identity. If you are under 18 years old, you need to have written permission from your parent or legal guardian. If you are a non-native citizen, you need to submit a photocopy of your visa or residence card along with an official document that proves your legal stay in Poland like an official certificate of study or visa stamp.
You can apply for a Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office when you have fulfilled all requirements and passed the examinations. Be sure to bring your international driving license if you have one, as well as all of the necessary documents mentioned above. Once you have all of the necessary documents the office will process them and issue your driving permit in about two weeks. The driving license will be valid for 15 years for drivers who are younger than 70 and for three years for those who are over 70. A driving license will make it easier to explore Poland and all it has to offer.
Registration
Like most countries in Europe the rules of the roads in Poland are generally simple. Seatbelts are required and drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden and speed limits are enforced. However, certain specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be considered. For instance, foreigners who wish to get their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical test and undergo practical training.
It is not an easy task particularly for those with limited Polish proficiency. There are other options available, for instance, driving lessons offered by language schools as well as private tutors. These courses provide specific instruction that prepares students for the test. There are also many online resources to assist students in understanding Polish road signs, driving etiquette and other aspects of driving.
A foreigner should have all of the necessary documents before applying for a driver's license. This includes a completed application form (which can be downloaded, but must be completed by hand in Polish, so Google Translate is your best friend) A medical certificate stating that the applicant is fit to drive, and one current photograph that meets the requirements for size and format.
Furthermore, if a candidate intends to pursue a license under categories C or D, they must also take an oral and a written test that focuses on the type of vehicle and safety regulations. To learn how to respond to road accidents, the applicant must also complete a course on first aid.
There's good news for those who have an international driving permit, or foreign driving licence that they are able to use it in Poland up to 185 days after the date of legal residence. Starting in June, this will change. Drivers working for ride-sharing companies like Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their foreign driving license in exchange for the Polish license.
The new rule was enacted to improve safety for passengers and prevent the transport of passengers on vehicles operated by drivers who don't meet the necessary requirements. However, it has been criticised by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will lead to longer wait times and higher prices for drivers.