How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland find themselves having to switch their home country's driving license to a Polish one. This is especially true for those who spend more than the 185-day limit as a legal resident (documented by local address registration, visa or residence permit).
To achieve this, they must to pass several tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Exam
It isn't easy to obtain a driving permit in Poland especially for foreigners. The procedure begins with a medical test to ensure you are physically fit to drive. Then you need to take a written exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety regulations. You must also undergo a series of driving lessons with an instructor certified to show that you can safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you're from, the process could take as little as 6 months or up to an entire year or more. If you're an EU citizen or from a country that is party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license will be recognized 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.
Even if you're a citizen of one of these countries you still have to get a PKK and be able to pass a medical exam. You will also be required to bring a translation of your driver's licence into Polish and a copy your passport and proof of residence or an official visa.
Once you have completed the necessary steps, you'll be given a driving test time at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test for theory will be administered on an automated machine. It will consist of multiple-choice questions on traffic laws, road signs, and safety regulations. was kostet der führerschein in polen in practice is conducted by a licensed driver. You must demonstrate your ability to drive a vehicle such as changing gears, driving around corners and parking.
At present, drivers employed by ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are not required to have a Polish driving license. However, as of June 2017 the situation will change. New laws will require that drivers have an active Polish license or face insurance issues for cars. Additionally, drivers from outside of the Eurozone must obtain an Polish licence within the 185-day period after settling in Poland, or face exchanging their license.
Theory Exam
If you have an driving license issued by a country that is a signatory of the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with the Polish licence after 185 legal days, as long as your residency is documented by an address registration for your local area (Zameldowanie), visa, residence card or any other document that proves your right to remain. However, you'll have to pass the theoretical portion of the national examination in the event that your foreign license is attached to an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multi-part test that consists of a written portion and a practice one. Even the Polish find it difficult and many fail in their first or second attempts despite studying hard. Many companies will help you prepare for the test. Beware of scams - they'll take your money, but not offer you the necessary practice.
To schedule your theory test to take it, go to your local WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). You'll require a passport and a candidate driver profile (PKK) when you register. The cost for the theoretical part of the exam is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you will need to register at your district authority (osdzie). (drogowy), to take a test. In most cases, this process will take about a week, especially in big cities. At this point, you'll require an PKK as well as a passport and a document that confirms your right to reside in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
After passing the practical test, you'll receive your driving license within couple of days. To do this you will have to bring the same documents that you used to register your PKK, plus a certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland is full of fun, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must adhere to all the rules of the road. including wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits, and obeying traffic signals. You'll be fined by the police if you don't. It is essential to be aware of the Polish driving rules and etiquette.
Practical Exam
Before you can pass the practical test, you have to enroll in driving school and complete a number of practical lessons. You can search online for driving schools in your area or ask around for recommendations. The course is affordable and lasts a few weeks. In the lessons, you'll learn to drive a vehicle and test your driving theory.
The final step to get a Polish driving license is the state test. The test is held at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam has two parts: theory and practice. The theory portion of the exam is available in a variety of languages, which makes it easier for non Polish speakers to prepare. In the state test practice you'll have to demonstrate your driving abilities and knowledge.
You'll also need to complete a first aid course and take an eye test. You may be required to take oral or written tests depending on the type license you're seeking.
You must provide your birth certificate along with identification documents when applying for a Polish driving license. If you are under 18 years old, you'll need a written consent of your legal guardian or parent. If you are an international citizen, you will need to submit a photocopy your residence card or visa, as well as any document that confirms your legal residence in Poland.
You can apply for a Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office after you have met all the requirements and passed the exams. Bring your international driving permit in the event that you have it along with the other documents mentioned above. Once you've submitted all the required documents, your driving license will be issued within two weeks. The license is valid for 15-years for drivers younger than 70 and for three years for those who are older than 70. A driving license will make it easier for you to explore Poland and all it offers.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively straightforward in Poland like they are in most European countries. Seatbelts are compulsory and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited, and speed limits are enforced. However, specific requirements for foreign drivers need to be taken into consideration. For example, foreigners who wish to get their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical test and then take a practical driving course.
The process does not come without challenges, particularly for those who don't speak in Polish. There are other options available, like driving classes offered by language schools as well as private tutors. These courses provide specific instruction that prepares students for the licensing exam. There are also many online resources that can aid students in understanding Polish road signs, driving etiquette, and other aspects of driving.
Before applying for a license, a foreigner should ensure that they have all required documents on hand. This includes a completed application form (which can be downloaded, but must be filled out by hand in Polish and Polish, so Google Translate is your best option) A medical certificate that states that the applicant is fit to drive, as well as a current photograph that is of the right dimensions and format requirements.
If the candidate wants to get a license in categories C or D they must also pass an oral and a written test that covers vehicle types and safety regulations. To learn how to respond to road accidents, the applicant must also take a class on first aid.
For those who have an international driving permit or foreign driving license, there's some good news: they'll be able to use it in Poland for 185 days following the date they have legal residency. Beginning in June the policy will change. Drivers who work 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 requirement was implemented to enhance safety of passengers and prevent passengers from being transported in vehicles driven by drivers that don't meet the standards. The new requirement has already been criticized by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will result in longer waiting periods for drivers and increased costs for passengers.