So , You've Bought Get A Driving License In Poland ... Now What?
How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland have to switch their home country's driving license in order to obtain a Polish one. This is especially true for those who spend more than 180 days as a legally resident (documented by local address registration, visa or residence permit).
To do this, they must pass a series tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Examination
It is difficult to obtain an driving license in Poland particularly for foreigners. The process begins with a medical exam to confirm that you're physically fit to drive. The next step is to pass a written test to prove your knowledge of Polish safety and road regulations. Then, you'll have to pass a series of practical driving lessons with a certified instructor in order to demonstrate your ability to safely operate an automobile on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process could take up to 6 months, or an entire year or more. If you're a citizen of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving licence will be accepted in Poland without the need to exchange it. For citizens of countries not included in the Vienna Convention and not part of the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Even if you're a citizen of one of these countries you still have to obtain a PKK and pass a medical examination. You must also bring a translation of your driver's license in Polish as well as a copy your passport, and the valid visa or proof of residency.
After you have completed the required steps, you will be offered a test date at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test will be administered on an automated machine. It will comprise multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safety rules. The practical test will be conducted by a certified instructor and will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a vehicle that includes changing gears, navigating curves and parking.
Currently, drivers employed by ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are not required to hold a Polish driving license, however as of June 2017, this will change. New laws will require that drivers have an active Polish license or face car insurance issues. Drivers who reside outside of the Eurozone must also obtain a Polish license within 185 days of arriving in Poland or risk having their license exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you have a driving licence issued in a country that is a party to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for a Polish license after 185 consecutive days of legal residency in the event that your residence is proven by a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or other document confirming your right reside. However, you will still be required to pass the theory portion of the national test regardless of whether your foreign license is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is divided into two parts: a written and a practical portion. It is notoriously difficult, even for Polish people, and the majority of people fail on their first or second attempt even after a lot of studying. Numerous companies offer assistance to help you prepare for the test. Beware of scams - they will take your money but never offer any help in preparation.
Visit your nearest WORD office to schedule your theory test. You will require a passport and a candidate driver profile (PKK) during registration. A fee for the theoretical part of the exam is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test You must then register at the district authority office (osdzie drogowy) for a practical exam. The process usually will take about a week especially in the larger cities. You will need your PKK along with a passport and a document that confirms that you have the right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
If the practical exam has been passed, you can obtain your driving license within a few days. You'll need the exact documents you used to obtain your PKK and a certification from the driving school. Driving in Poland can be full of excitement, but also a great deal of responsibility. To drive safely it is crucial to follow all road rules, including wearing your seat belt, paying attention to traffic signals, and adhering to speed limits. You'll be penalized by the police if don't. This is why it is important to learn the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
Before you can sit for the practical exam, you have to enroll in driving school and complete a number of practical lessons. You can search the internet for driving schools in your area or ask for recommendations. The course is for a couple of weeks and is extremely affordable. In the lessons, you will learn how to drive a car and be assessed on the theory of driving.
The state exam that is the last step of getting an Polish license, is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The exam is divided into two parts: theory and practice. The theory portion of the exam is offered in several languages, making it easier for non Polish speakers to prepare. In the practice portion of the state examination you will be required to demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your abilities and knowledge.
You'll also need to pass a first-aid course and take an eye test. Führerschein may need to pass written or oral tests, based on the type of license you're seeking.
You must provide your birth certificate along with proof of identity when applying for an Polish driving license. If you are younger than 18 years old, you must present an official written consent from your legal guardian or parent. If you are a foreign citizen, you must submit an image of your visa or residence card and the document that confirms your legal residency in Poland like an official certificate of study or visa stamp.
You can apply for your Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office once you have met all the requirements and passed the examinations. Bring your international driving permit in the event that you have it, and the other documents mentioned above. Once you have all of the required documents the office will review them and issue your driver's license in about 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. The possession of a driving permit will make it easier to travel around Poland and explore everything Poland offers.
Registration
As with most countries in Europe the rules of the road in Poland are generally simple. Seatbelts are required and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are rigorously enforced. However, specific requirements for foreign drivers need to be taken into account. For instance, foreigners who want to get a driver's license in Poland must pass a medical examination and take practical classes before they can take the state exam.
The process does not come without challenges, particularly for those who aren't fluent in Polish. However, there are solutions such as driving classes offered by numerous language schools or private tutors that offer individualized instruction and help students prepare for the licensing examination. Additionally, there are various online resources that can assist students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
A foreigner should have all of the necessary documents prior to applying for an driver's license. This includes the 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) and a medical certificate that states that the applicant is healthy enough to drive, and a current photo that is in compliance with the requirements for size and format.
If the applicant wants to obtain a license for categories C or D, they will also need to pass an oral and a written test that covers the types of vehicles and safety regulations. To learn how to deal with road accidents, the candidate must also take a class on first aid.
For those who have an international driving permit or a foreign driving license, there's good news: they can continue to use it in Poland for 185 days after their date of legal residency. However, beginning in June, this will change: drivers working for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are legally required to exchange their license from abroad for a Polish one.
The new law was enacted to enhance safety of passengers and to prevent passengers from being transported in vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the required requirements. However, it has been criticized by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it could lead to longer wait times and higher prices for drivers.