How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who live in Poland are required to exchange their country's driving license for one issued by Poland. 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 do this they must pass a series of tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Exam
It isn't easy to obtain a driving permit in Poland, especially for foreigners. The process starts with a medical examination to determine if you're physically fit for driving. You will then have to pass a written test to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish safety and road rules. Additionally, motorradführerschein in polen will need to take a series 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 It could take 6 months or even longer. If you're a resident of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving license will be accepted in Poland without the need to exchange it. For citizens of countries that aren't included in the Vienna Convention and not part of the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Even if you are a citizen of one of these nations, you will still need to get a PKK and pass a medical examination. You'll also need to carry a translation of your driver's licence into Polish as well as a copy your passport and proof of residence or a valid visa.
Once you've completed all steps, you will receive a date for your driving test at your local road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test for theory will be conducted on an automated machine. It will comprise multiple-choice questions on traffic laws, road signs, and safety regulations. The test on the practical side is conducted by a certified driver. You must demonstrate your ability to drive a car including changing gears, navigating corners and parking.
At present, drivers working for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are not required to have an Polish driving license, but in June 2017 the law will change. The new laws will require drivers to have a valid Polish driving license or face insurance issues. In addition, drivers who are outside the Eurozone must obtain an Polish licence within 180 days of arriving in Poland or risk losing their license.
Theory Exam
If you have a driving license issued by a country that is a party to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for an Polish licence after 185 days of legally residing in the event that your residence is confirmed by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or another document that confirms your right to remain. You will still need to pass the part that is theoretical of the national examination unless you have a foreign driving license which is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multi-part test that consists of a written portion 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 despite a lot of study. There are a variety of companies that offer to prepare you for the test, but beware scams - they could take your money and never provide the training you need.
To schedule your theory test you must visit your nearest WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchudrogowego). You'll require a passport and a 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 must then sign up at the district authority office (osdzie drogowy) to pass a practical exam. In most cases, this process will take about a week especially in the larger cities. At this point, you'll require a PKK as well as a passport and a document that confirms your right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
Once the practical exam is completed, you will be able to get your driving license within a few days. To do this you will need to bring the same documents you did for the registration of your PKK and a proof of passing from the driving school. Driving in Poland can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with the responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must obey all the rules of the road. which includes wearing seat belts, adhering to speed limits and obeying traffic lights. You'll be fined by the police if don't. This is why it is important to learn the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
Before you can pass the practical test you must enroll in a driving school and pass several practical classes. You can locate a driving school in your area by searching online or asking around for recommendations. The course is for a couple of weeks and is affordable. In the course, you will learn how to drive a car and test your driving theory.
The final step to get the Polish driving license is to pass the state exam. This is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is split into two parts: theory, and practice. The theory portion is offered in a variety of languages, making it easier for non-Polish-speaking candidates to prepare. When you take the state exam you'll have to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge.
You will also need to pass a first-aid course and have an eye test. You may also need to take oral or written tests based on the type of license you're looking to obtain.
In order to obtain a Polish license, you must also submit the original birth certificate and evidence of your identity. If you are younger than 18, you will need the written consent of your legal guardian or parent. If you are an international citizen, you will have to provide a photocopy of your visa or residence card and any document that demonstrates your legal residence in Poland.
After you have fulfilled all of the requirements and passed all of the exams, you can apply for the Polish driving license at your local Voivodeship office. Make sure you bring your international driving permit if you have one, along with all of the documents listed above. After you have all the necessary documents, the office will process them and issue your driving license within two weeks. The driving license is valid for 15 years for drivers who are younger than 70 and for three years for drivers older than 70. A driving license will make it easier for you to move around Poland and discover all Poland offers.
Registration
Like most countries in Europe, the rules of the roads in Poland are generally simple. Seatbelts are mandatory and drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited, and speed limits are enforced. However, some specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be taken into consideration. For instance foreigners looking to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical examination and undergo practical training.
The process does not come without challenges, particularly for those who aren't fluent in Polish. However, there are solutions such as driving courses offered by numerous language schools or private tutors who provide individual instruction and help students prepare for the licensing test. There are numerous online resources to help students understand Polish road signs, driving etiquette, and other aspects of driving.
Before submitting an application for a license, a foreigner should ensure they have all the necessary documents in their possession. This includes an application form that is completed (which can be downloaded, but must be filled out by hand in Polish and Polish, so Google Translate is your friend) A medical certificate that states that the applicant is able to drive, as well as a current photograph that meets dimensions and format requirements.
If a candidate wishes to obtain a license for categories C or D they must pass an oral and written exam which covers vehicle types and safety regulations. To learn how to deal with road accidents, the driver must also attend a course on first aid.
A good thing for those with an international driving permit, or 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 who work for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are legally required to exchange their foreign license to a Polish one.
The new requirement was introduced to ensure the safety of passengers and stop the transportation of passengers on vehicles operated by drivers who don't meet the required requirements. But it has already been criticised by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it could lead to longer wait times and higher prices for drivers.