How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who live in Poland find themselves having to exchange their home country's driving license in order to obtain one in the Polish one. This is especially relevant for those who have resided in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented with the registration of a local address or visa or residence permit).
To do that they need to pass a variety of tests and tests. The most important are:
Medical Examination
It isn't easy to obtain a driving license in Poland particularly for foreigners. The process begins with a medical exam to determine if you are physically fit to drive. You must then pass a written test to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish safety and road regulations. You must also undergo a series of driving lessons with an instructor certified to prove that you can safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on the country you're from, the process can 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 licence will be accepted in Poland without the need to exchange it. For citizens of countries that aren't included in the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
But, even if you are from one of these countries, you will need to obtain a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kilorowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and undergo a medical exam. You'll also need to bring a translated version of your driver's licence in Polish as well as the passport copy and proof of residency, or a valid visa.
After you've completed all steps, you will be given a date for your driving test at your local road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test will be taken on an automated machine and will comprise multiple choice questions regarding traffic laws road signs, safety regulations. The practical test will be conducted by a certified instructor and will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a car, including changing gears, driving around curves and parking.
As of June 2017, drivers who work for ride-sharing companies such as Uber or Bolt will be required to have a valid Polish driving license. The new laws will require drivers to have an official Polish driving license or face insurance problems. In addition, drivers from outside of the Eurozone must obtain an Polish license within 180 days of arriving in Poland or risk losing their license.
Theory Exam
If you have the driving license of the country which is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention you can swap it out for a Polish license after 185 legal days, provided your residency is documented through an address registration for your local area (Zameldowanie) or a visa, residence card or any other document that confirms your right to remain. However, you will still need to pass the theoretical portion of the national test in the event that your foreign license is attached to an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is a multiple-part test comprised 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 assist you in preparing for the test. Beware of scams - they'll make you pay, but they will never offer any help in training.
Visit your nearest WORD office to arrange your theory test. When you register, you'll require a passport as well as your candidate driver profile (PKK). The fee for the theoretical part of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test You must then register at the district authority office (osdzie (drogowy) (drogowy) to take a test. The process usually lasts a few weeks particularly in larger cities. At Führerschein , you'll need an PKK, a passport and a proof of your right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
After the practical test has been passed, you can get your driving license within a few days. To get your license, you'll be required to bring the same documents that you used to register your PKK and a proof of passing from the driving school. Driving in Poland is full of fun, but it also comes with an immense amount of responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must adhere to all the rules of the road. this includes using seat belts, obeying speed limits and obeying traffic lights. If you don't you will be reprimanded by the police. It is important to know the Polish driving rules and etiquette.
Practical Exam
You'll need to enroll at a driving academy and complete a series of practical lessons before you can sit for your test. You can locate a driving school in your location by searching online or asking your friends for suggestions. The course runs 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 in obtaining an Polish driving license is passing the state test. This is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is divided into two parts: the theory and practice. The theory portion of the test is available in a variety of languages, which makes it easier for non Polish speakers to prepare. In the practice portion of the state test you will be required to demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your abilities and knowledge.
You will also need to pass a first-aid course and have an eye test. Based on the type of license you're pursuing, you may have to pass additional written or oral exams.
When you apply for a Polish license, you must also submit a copy of your birth certificate as well as proof of identity. If you are under 18 years old, you must present a written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you are an international citizen, you will require a photocopy of your visa or residence card, as well as any document that demonstrates your legal residency 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 tests. Be sure to bring your international driving permit if you have one, along with all of the necessary documents mentioned above. After you have all the required documents the office will process them and issue your driver's license in about two weeks. The license is valid for 15-years for drivers younger than 70 and three years for those older than 70. The possession of a driving permit will make it much easier for you to get around Poland and explore all that Poland offers.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively simple in Poland like they are in many European countries. Seatbelts are required and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are strictly enforced. However, certain specific requirements for foreign drivers need to be considered. For instance, foreigners who wish to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical examination and take practical lessons.
The process does not come without challenges, especially for those who don't speak in Polish. There are other options available, for instance, driving lessons provided by language schools or private tutors. These courses provide individual instruction to prepare students for the license exam. Additionally there are numerous online resources that will help students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
Before applying for a license an applicant from another country should ensure they have all required documents in their possession. Google Translate can help you complete the application form which is available for download but is required to be completed in person.
If the applicant wants to be licensed in categories C or D they will also need to pass an oral and a written exam which covers vehicle types and safety regulations. Additionally an initial aid course must be taken to learn how to respond to road accidents.
A good thing for those with an international driving permit or foreign driving licence: they can use it in Poland for up to 185 days after their date of legal residence. However, from June, this will change: drivers working for ridesharing firms like Uber or Bolt are now required by law to exchange their foreign license for one that is a Polish one.
The new law was introduced to increase safety for passengers and prevent the transport of people on vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the required standards. However, it has been criticised by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will result in longer waiting times and higher costs for drivers.