How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland find themselves having to switch their home country's driving license in order to obtain a Polish one. This is especially the case for those who have spent more than 185 days as a legal resident (documented by local address registration, visa or residence permit).
To do this, they must pass a series tests and examinations. The most important of these are:
Medical Examination
It can be difficult to get an driving license in Poland especially for foreigners. The procedure begins with a medical test to confirm that you are physically fit to drive. Then you need to pass a written theory exam to prove your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety regulations. Additionally, you will need to take a series driving lessons with an instructor certified to show that you are able to safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you're from, the process may take as little as 6 months or one year or more. If you're an EU citizen or from a country that is a party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license can be recognized in Poland without having to exchange it. Alternatively, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is suggested for citizens of countries that aren't part of the 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 take an examination for medical reasons. You will also be required to carry a translation of your driver's licence in Polish as well as a copy your passport and proof of residency, or a valid visa.
After you have completed all the necessary steps, you will be given a driving test date at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test for theory will be administered by an automated machine. It will comprise multiple-choice questions on traffic laws, road signs, and safety rules. The test on the practical side is conducted by a licensed driver. It requires you to demonstrate the ability to drive a car including changing gears, navigating corners and parking.
In June 2017, drivers who work for ride-sharing companies such as Uber or Bolt will be required to possess an active Polish driving license. New laws will require drivers to hold an official Polish driving license or face insurance issues. Drivers who are not part of the Eurozone must also get an Polish license within 185 days of arriving in Poland or risk having their license exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you are a holder of a driving licence issued by a country that is a signatory of the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with a Polish licence 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 proves your right to remain. You must still pass the theoretical portion of the national examination regardless of whether you have a foreign driving license which is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multi-part test consisting of a written part and a practice one. It is notoriously difficult, even for Polish people, and a majority of people fail on the first or second attempt despite a lot of study. Many companies will assist you in preparing for the test. Beware of scams that promise to make you pay, but they will never offer you the necessary training.
Visit your nearest WORD location to arrange your theory test. When you register, you'll need a passport and your candidate driver profile (PKK). A fee for the theoretical part of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you will need to register at your district authority (osdzie). (drogowy) (drogowy), for a practical test. The process usually takes a few weeks, particularly in larger 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).
After passing the test, you will receive your driving license within a few working days. To obtain your licence, you'll need to bring the same documents you have used to register your PKK along with a valid certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland is a lot of fun but it's also a responsibilities. To ensure safety on the road it is crucial to adhere to all traffic rules, including wearing the seat belt, obeying traffic signals and observing speed limits. You could be penalized by the police if don't. It is essential to be aware of the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
You will need to first enroll in an accredited driving school and then complete a series of practical lessons before you can sit for your practical test. You can look online for driving schools in your area, or ask friends for suggestions. The course is affordable and lasts a few weeks. In the lessons, you will learn how to drive a car and also be tested on the driving theory.
The state test that is the last step in obtaining an Polish license, is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The exam is split into two parts: the theory, and practice. The theory portion is available in many languages, making it simpler for non-Polish speakers to study. When you take the state exam, you will need to demonstrate your driving abilities and knowledge.
You'll also have to take a course in first aid and eye examination. Based on the kind of license you're seeking, you may need to take additional oral or written tests.
You must submit your birth certificate along with evidence of identity when applying for an Polish driving license. If you are younger than 18 years old, you'll need the 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 and any other document that proves your legal residency in Poland.
Once you have met all of the requirements and passed all examinations, you are eligible to apply for a Polish driving license at your local Voivodeship office. Bring your international driving permit in the event that you have it as well as the other documents listed above. Once you've submitted all the required documents, your driving license will be issued in two weeks. The driving license will be valid for 15 years for those less than 70 and for three years for those over 70. Having a driving license will make it much easier to travel around Poland and explore all that it has to offer.
Registration
The rules of the road are easy in Poland the same way as they are in a majority of European countries. Seatbelts are mandatory and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited and speed limits are rigorously enforced. However, specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be taken into account. For was kostet führerschein in polen , foreigners wanting to obtain a driving license in Poland must undergo a medical examination and take practical classes before they can sit for the state exam.
The process is not without challenges, particularly for those who aren't fluent in Polish. There are other options available, like driving classes provided by language schools or private tutors. These classes provide individualized instruction to prepare students for the licensing exam. In was kostet führerschein in polen , there are various online resources that will help a student to understand Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
A foreigner should have all of the necessary documents required to apply for a driver's license. Google Translate can help you complete the application form, which is available for download but is required to be completed in person.
If the candidate wants to be licensed in categories C or D they must also pass an oral and written exam that covers the types of vehicles and safety regulations. To be able to deal with road accidents, the applicant must also take a class on first aid.
A good thing for those with an international driving permit or a foreign driving license: they can use it in Poland up to 185 calendar days after the date of legal residence. However, beginning in June, this will change. drivers working for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are now required by law to exchange their license from abroad for one that is a Polish one.
The new rule was enacted to ensure the safety of passengers and to prevent the transportation of passengers on vehicles operated by drivers who do not meet the necessary standards. However, it has been criticized by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will lead to longer wait times and higher prices for drivers.