How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland are forced to change their home country driving license in order to obtain one in the Polish one. This is particularly the case for those who have spent more than the 185-day limit as a legal resident (documented by local address registration, visa or residence permit).
To achieve this, they must pass a series tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Exam
Getting a driver's license In Poland is a difficult job, especially for expats. 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 knowledge of Polish road rules and safety rules. You will also need to undergo a series of driving lessons with an instructor who is certified to prove that you are able to safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process may take up to 6 months, or an entire year or more. Fortunately, if you're an EU citizen or from a country that is party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license can be recognized in Poland without the need to exchange it. Alternately you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a must for those from countries that aren't a part of the Vienna Convention.
However, even if you are from one of these countries, you'll need to obtain a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kilorowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and undergo an exam for medical conditions. You'll also need to bring a translation of your driver's license into Polish and the passport copy and proof of residency or an official visa.
After you have completed all the necessary steps, you'll be offered a test date at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test is performed on an automated device and will comprise multiple choice questions regarding traffic laws, road signs and safety regulations. The test in practice will be administered by a certified instructor and will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a vehicle, including changing gears, navigating curves and parking.
At present, drivers employed by ridesharing firms such as Uber or Bolt are not required to possess a Polish driving license, however as of June 2017 the situation will change. New laws will require drivers to possess an official Polish driving license or face insurance problems. Drivers who are not part of the Eurozone must also obtain a Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk having their license revoked.
Theory Exam
If you hold a driving licence issued in a country that is a party to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for the Polish license after 185 days of legal residency and if your residence is proven by a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or other document confirming your right stay. You must still pass the theoretical portion of the national examination regardless of whether you have an international driving license which is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multiple-part test comprised of a written section and a practice one. It is notoriously difficult even for Polish people, and a majority of test takers fail on their first or second attempt despite a lot of study. There are many firms that promise preparation for the exam, but beware of their swindles - they may be able to take your money and not provide the training you need.
Visit your nearest WORD location to plan your test. You'll require your passport as well as the candidate driver profile (PKK) when you register. The cost for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam, you need to sign up at your district authority office (osdzie drogowy) to pass a practical exam. The process usually can take a week or two particularly in large cities. At this point, you'll require a PKK, a passport and a proof of your right to remain in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
If you pass the practical test, you'll receive your driving license within a couple of days. You'll need the same documents as you did to get your PKK along with a proof of the driving school. Driving in Poland can be a lot of fun, but also the responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must obey all the rules of the road. which includes wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits, and obeying traffic signals. You will be penalized by the police if do not. This is why it is so important to master the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
Before you can pass the practical test, you have to enroll in driving school and complete several practical classes. You can find a driving school in your location by searching online or asking around for recommendations. The cost of the course is reasonable and takes a few weeks. During the lessons you will learn how to drive a car and will be tested in driving theory.
The state exam which is the final step of getting an Polish license, is held at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The exam is split into two parts: theory, and practice. The theory part is available in many languages, making it easier for non-Polish-speaking candidates to prepare. In the state test practice you'll have to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge.
You will also be required to complete a first aid and an eye exam. You may need to pass written or oral tests based on the type of license you're looking to obtain.
You must submit your birth certificate as well as proof of identity when applying for an Polish driving license. If you are under 18, you must have written permission from your legal guardian or parent. If you are a non-native citizen, you need to submit the photocopy of your residence card or visa and the document that confirms your legal stay in Poland for example, an official certificate of study or a visa stamp.
You can apply for your Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office when you have completed all requirements and passed the exams. Be sure to bring your international driving permit if you have one, along with all of the necessary documents listed above. After you've submitted all required documents, your driving licence will be issued within two weeks. The driving license is valid for 15 years for drivers younger than 70 and for three years for those who are older than 70. A driving permit will make it easier to explore Poland and all it has to offer.
Registration
The rules of the road are simple in Poland, as they are in most European countries. Seatbelts are required and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited and speed limits are firmly enforced. However, specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be taken into consideration. For instance, foreigners wanting to get their driving license in Poland must take a medical exam and practical training before they can sit for the state exam.
The process isn't without challenges, particularly for those who aren't fluent in Polish. There are other options, such as driving classes offered by language schools or private tutors. führerschein in polen preise offer individualized instruction to prepare students for the test. Additionally there are a variety of online resources that can assist students understand Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
Before applying for a driver's license an applicant from another country should ensure they have all required documents available. This includes the completed application form (which is available for download but must be completed by hand in Polish which means that Google Translate is your best option) A medical certificate that states that the applicant is able to drive, as well as a current photograph that is of the right size and format requirements.
If a candidate wishes to be licensed in categories C or D they must also pass an oral and a written exam which covers vehicle types and safety regulations. To be able to deal with road accidents, the applicant must also complete a course on first aid.
If you're a holder of an international driving permit or a foreign driving license, there's great news: they can continue to use it in Poland for 185 days following their date of legal residence. However, beginning in June this will change: drivers who work for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are now required by law to exchange their license from abroad for one that is a Polish one.
The new law was enacted to improve passenger safety and to prevent people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the required requirements. It has already been criticized by riders and politicians who believe that it will cause longer wait periods for drivers and higher prices.