How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland are required to exchange their driving license to one issued by Poland. This is particularly the case for people who spend more than the 185-day limit as a legal resident (documented by local address registration, visa or residence permit).
To accomplish this, they have to pass a variety of tests and exams. The most important ones are:
Medical Exam
To get a driver's licence in Poland is a challenging job, especially for expats. The procedure begins with a medical test to determine if you're physically fit enough to drive. Then you need to take a written exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety regulations. In addition, you'll need to complete a series of practical driving lessons with a qualified instructor to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on your origin, the process could take 6 months or even longer. If you are a citizen of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your driver's license from your country will be accepted in Poland without needing to exchange it. For citizens of countries that aren't included in the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Even if you're a citizen of one of these countries you still have to get a PKK and take a medical test. You will also need to bring a translation of your driver's license in Polish, a copy of your passport, and an original visa or proof of residency.
After you have completed all the steps, you will be given a date for your driving test at your local road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test will be conducted on an automated machine. It will consist of multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs and safety regulations. The test on the practical side is administered by a licensed driver. You must demonstrate your ability to drive a vehicle including changing gears, maneuvering corners and parking.
At present, drivers employed by ridesharing firms like Uber or Bolt are not required to hold an Polish driving license, however in June 2017, this will change. The new laws will require that drivers have an official Polish license, or else face issues with car insurance. Drivers from outside the Eurozone must also get an Polish license within 185 days of arriving in Poland or risk having their licenses exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you are a holder of a driving licence issued by the country that is a signatory of the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with an Polish license after 185 legal days, provided your residency is documented through a local address registration (Zameldowanie), residence card, visa or any other document that confirms your right to remain. However, you will still be required to pass the theory portion of the national examination in the event that your foreign license is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is divided into two parts: a written and a practical part. It is notoriously difficult, even for Polish people, and most of people fail on their first or second attempt despite a lot of study. There are several companies that offer preparation for the test, but beware frauds by these companies - they might take your money and never provide the training you need.
To schedule your theory exam you must visit the nearest WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). You'll need your passport and the candidate driver profile (PKK) when you register. The fee for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam You must then sign up at your district authority office (osdzie (drogowy) (drogowy), for a practical examination. The process typically takes a few weeks, especially in large cities. At this point, you'll need a PKK along with a passport, and a document that confirms your right to reside in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
After the practical test has been completed, you will be able to get your driving licence within some days. To do this you will be required to bring the same documents that you have used to register your PKK, plus a certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland is full of fun, but also the responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must follow all the rules of the road - this includes using seat belts, adhering to speed limits and obeying traffic signals. You will be penalized by the police if you don't. This is why it is important to learn the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
You will need to first enroll in an academy for driving and take the series of lessons before you can sit for your test. You can locate a driving school in your area by searching online or asking around for suggestions. polnischer führerschein kosten for a few weeks and is extremely affordable. In the lessons, you'll learn how to drive a car and will be tested in driving theory.
The state exam which is the final step in obtaining a Polish license, is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The exam has two parts: theory and practice. The theory part is available in a variety of languages, making it easier for non-Polish speakers to prepare. When you take the state exam you'll have to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge.
You will also be required to take a course in first aid and eye examination. Depending on the type of license you are pursuing, you may have to pass additional written or oral tests.
You must submit your birth certificate along with proof of identity when you apply for an Polish driving license. If you are younger than 18 years old, you need to have a written consent from your legal guardian or parent. If you are an international citizen, you will need to submit a photocopy your visa or residence card along with any document that confirms your legal residence in Poland.
You can apply for your Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office when you have fulfilled all requirements and passed the exams. Bring your international driving permit, if you have it as well as the other documents listed above. After you've submitted all required documents, your driving license will be issued within two weeks. The driving license will be valid for 15 years for those who are younger than 70, and three years for those who are older than 70. A driving permit will make it easier to explore Poland and all it has to offer.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively straightforward 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 strictly enforced. There are certain requirements that must be met by foreign drivers. For instance, foreigners who wish to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical exam and undergo practical training.
The process isn't without challenges, especially for those who aren't fluent in Polish. There are other options, such as driving classes offered by language schools or private tutors. These classes offer individualized instruction to prepare students for the licensing exam. There are numerous online resources to aid students in understanding Polish road signs, driving etiquette, and other aspects of driving.
Before submitting an application for a license an applicant from another country should ensure that they have all the required documents in their possession. Google Translate can help you complete the application form that can be downloaded, but must be completed by hand.
Additionally, if the candidate plans to pursue a license under categories C or D, they must pass an oral and written test that is focused on the type of vehicle and safety regulations. To be able to respond to road accidents, the applicant must also take a class on first aid.
If you're a holder of an international driving permit or a foreign driving license, there's some good news: they'll be able to use it in Poland for 185 days after the date they have legal residency. In June the policy will change. Drivers who are employed by ridesharing services such as Bolt or Uber are now required to swap their foreign driving license in exchange for the Polish license.
The new rule was put in place to improve passenger safety and to prevent people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers who don't meet the requirements. It has been criticized already by the ridesharing industry and politicians who believe it will lead to longer wait periods for drivers and higher prices.