How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who live in Poland find themselves having to change their home country driving license to one in the Polish one. This is especially true for people who spend more than 185 days as a legal resident (documented by local address registration or visa).
To achieve this, they must to pass several tests and tests. The most important are:
Medical Examination
Getting a driver's license In Poland is a daunting task, particularly for foreigners. The process starts with a medical exam to ensure that you are physically fit to drive. You will then have to pass a written test to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish safety and road regulations. Additionally, you will need to take a series of driving classes with an instructor certified to prove that you can safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on the country you're from, the process may take as little as 6 months or up to an entire year or more. If you're an EU citizen or from one of the countries that are parties to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license can be recognized in Poland without the need to exchange it. Alternatively, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a must for citizens of countries that aren't a part of the Vienna Convention.
Even if you are an a resident of one of these countries you still have to obtain a PKK and take a medical test. You must also bring the translation of your driver's licence into Polish as well as a copy your passport, and an original visa or proof of residency.
After you have completed all the 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 administered by an automated machine. It will consist of multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs and safety regulations. The test in practice will be conducted by a certified instructor and will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a vehicle and change gears, driving around curves and parking.
As of June 2017, drivers who work for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt will be required to have a valid Polish driving license. New laws will require drivers to hold an active Polish driving license or face insurance issues. In addition, drivers who are outside the Eurozone will need to get an Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk losing their license.
Theory Exam
If you hold an driving license issued by a country which is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it for an Polish licence after 185 legal days, if your residency is confirmed by a local address registration (Zameldowanie), residence card, visa, or any other document that proves your right to remain. You will still need to pass the theory portion of the national examination unless you have a foreign driving license that is accompanied by a International Driving Permit.
The theory test 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 most of them fail on the first or second attempt despite a lot of study. There are a variety of firms that promise preparation for the test, but beware of frauds by these companies - they might make you pay and then not give you the preparations.
Visit your nearest WORD location to plan your test. You'll require a passport and a candidate driver profile (PKK) at the time of registration. The cost for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you need to sign up at your district authority office (osdzie (drogowy) (drogowy), for a practical test. In most cases, this process takes a week or two, especially in big cities. At this point, you'll require a PKK as well as a passport and a document confirming your right to reside in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
If you pass the practical test, you will receive your driving license within few days. You'll need the exact documents that you used to register your PKK and a certification from the driving school. Driving in Poland can be full of excitement, but also an immense amount of responsibility. To ensure that you drive safely it is crucial to adhere to all traffic rules, including wearing your seat belt, paying attention to traffic signals and observing speed limits. If you don't you will be penalized by the police. It is essential to be aware of the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
You will need to first enroll in an academy for driving and take an extensive series of practical classes before you are able to take your practical test. You can find a driving school in your local area by searching on the internet or asking around for recommendations. The cost of the course is reasonable and lasts for a few weeks. In the lessons you will learn to drive a vehicle and be tested on the theory of driving.
read the full info here to get the Polish driving license is to pass the state test. The test is held at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The test is divided into two parts: the theory and practice. The theory portion of the exam is available in several languages, making it easier for non Polish speakers to prepare. In the state test practice, you will need to demonstrate your driving abilities and knowledge.
You'll also have to complete a first aid and eye examination. You may need to pass oral or written tests depending on the type license you're looking to obtain.
You must provide your birth certificate along with evidence of identity when you apply for a Polish driving license. If you are under 18, you must have written permission from your parent or legal guardian. If you are a foreign citizen, you must submit a photocopy of your residence card or visa along with a document confirming your legal stay 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 exams. Make sure to bring your international driving permit if you have one, along with all of the documents mentioned above. Once you have all the necessary 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 younger than 70, and for three years for those who are older than 70. A driving license makes it easier for you to explore Poland and everything it has to offer.
Registration
As with most countries in Europe the rules of the road in Poland are generally straightforward. Seatbelts are mandatory and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited and speed limits are strictly enforced. There are some requirements to be adhered to by foreign drivers. For instance foreigners wishing to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical examination and take practical lessons.
The process is not without difficulties, particularly for those who don't speak in Polish. But there are solutions, such as driving classes offered by various language schools or private tutors who provide individual instruction and help students prepare for the licensing examination. Additionally there are numerous online resources that can help students understand Polish road signs and driving behavior.
A foreign national should possess all the required documents required to apply for the driver's license. This includes an application form that is completed (which can be downloaded, but must be filled out by hand in Polish, so Google Translate is your best option), a medical certificate that states that the applicant is fit to drive, and a current photo that is in compliance with dimensions and format requirements.
Additionally, if the candidate plans to pursue a license in categories C or D, they must be able to pass an oral and written exam that focuses on vehicle types and safety regulations. Finally the first aid course must be taken to learn how to respond to accidents on the road.
A good thing for those with an international driving permit, or a foreign driving license that they are able to use it in Poland for up to 185 days after their date of legal residence. However, beginning in June, this will change: drivers working for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are now required by law to exchange their foreign license for one in the Polish one.
The new law was enacted to improve passenger safety and stop passengers from being transported in vehicles driven by drivers who don't meet the requirements. However, it has been criticized by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will lead to longer wait times and higher costs for drivers.