How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland have to switch their home country's driving license to an Polish one. This is especially true for people who spend more than the 185-day limit as a legal resident (documented by local address registration or visa).
To accomplish this, they must pass a series tests and exams. The most important of these are:
Medical Examination
To get a driver's licence In Poland is a daunting task, especially for foreigners. The process begins with a medical test to confirm that you're physically fit to drive. Then you need to take a written exam to prove your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety regulations. In addition, you'll need to complete a series of driving classes with a certified instructor in order to prove your competency to operate an automobile on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from It could take anywhere from 6 to 12 months or longer. If you're a citizen of the EU or a member of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving licence will be accepted in Poland without needing to exchange it. For those who are citizens of countries that are 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'll still need to obtain a PKK and pass a medical examination. You'll also have to bring a translated version of your driver's license into Polish, as well as an original passport and proof of residency or an official visa.
After you have completed all the required steps, you will be given a driving test time at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The theory test will be administered on an automated machine. It will consist of multiple-choice tests on traffic laws, road signs, and safety regulations. The test on the practical side is conducted by a certified driver and requires you to demonstrate your ability to drive a vehicle such as changing gears, driving around corners and parking.
At present, drivers employed by ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are not required to possess a Polish driving license. However, as of June 2017 the situation will change. New laws will require drivers to possess an official Polish driving license or face insurance issues. In addition, drivers who are outside the Eurozone will need to get an Polish licence within 180 days of arriving in Poland or risk exchanging their license.
Theory Exam
If you hold a driving license issued by a country that is a member to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for the Polish license after 185 consecutive days of legally residing, provided that your residency is documented by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or another document that confirms your right to remain. However, you'll need to pass the theoretical part of the national exam, unless your foreign licence is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is a multi-part test that consists of a written section and a practice one. It is notoriously difficult even for Polish people, and most of them fail on their first or second try, despite much studying. There are a variety of firms that promise to help you prepare for the exam, but beware of scams - they could take your money and never provide the training you need.
To schedule your theory exam to take it, go to your local WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). You'll require a passport and a candidate driver profile (PKK) during registration. A fee for the theoretical portion of the exam is 30 PLN.
After passing führerschein kaufen in polen must then register at your district authority office (osdzie Drogowy) for a practical test. The process usually takes a few weeks, especially in large cities. You will need your PKK passport, passport and a document confirming that you have the right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
Once the practical exam is completed, you will be able to get your driving licence within some days. To get your license, you'll need to present the same documents you used to register your PKK and a proof of passing from the driving school. Driving in Poland can be a lot of excitement, but also the responsibility. If you want to drive safely, you must follow all the rules of the road - this includes using seat belts, observing speed limits, and obeying traffic signals. If you do not, you will be punished by the police. It is important to know the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
You will need to first enroll in an accredited driving school and then complete a series of practical lessons before you can take your practical test. You can find a driving school in your local area by searching on the internet or asking around for suggestions. The cost of the course is reasonable and lasts for a few weeks. In the lessons, you'll learn to drive and be tested in driving theory.
The final step to get a Polish driving license is the state exam. It is administered at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is divided into two parts: the theory and practice. The theory part is available in a variety of languages, making it easy for non-Polish speakers to prepare. During the state exam practice you'll need to demonstrate your driving abilities and knowledge.
You'll also have to pass a first-aid course and have an eye test. You may be required to take oral or written tests depending on the type license you're pursuing.
In order to obtain a Polish license you will also need to submit the original birth certificate as well as proof of identity. If you are under 18 years old, you must submit the written consent of your legal guardian or parent. If you are a non-native citizen, you need to submit the photocopy of your residence card or visa and an official document that proves your legal residence in Poland for example, the certificate of studies or visa stamp.
After you have completed all of the requirements and passed all exams, you can apply for a Polish driving license at the local voivodeship office. Bring your international driving license in the event that you have it along with the other documents listed above. Once you have all the necessary documents the office will process them and issue your driving permit in about two weeks. The license is valid for 15-years for drivers younger than 70 and three years for drivers older than 70. A driving license will make it easier for you to explore Poland and everything it has to offer.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively easy in Poland, as they are in most European countries. Seatbelts are required and drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited, and speed limits are enforced. There are some conditions that must be fulfilled by foreign drivers. For instance, foreigners who want to obtain a driving license in Poland must undergo a medical examination and practical training before they can take the state exam.
It is not an easy task especially for those with a limited Polish proficiency. However, there are solutions such as driving courses offered by various language schools or private tutors who provide individual instruction and help students prepare for the licensing test. Additionally there are numerous online resources that will help students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
A foreigner should have all of the necessary documents prior to applying for a driver's license. Google Translate can help you fill out the application form, which can be downloaded, but must be completed by hand.
In addition, if the applicant intends to pursue a license under categories C or D, they must also pass an oral and written test that is focused on the types of vehicles and safety regulations. To be able to handle road accidents, the driver 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'll be able to use it in Poland for 185 days from the date they have legal residency. Starting in June the policy will change. Drivers who are employed by ridesharing services like Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their driving licenses from abroad to a Polish license.
The new rule was enacted to improve safety for passengers and to prevent the transportation of passengers in vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the necessary requirements. It has been criticized already by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe that it will lead to longer waiting periods for drivers and more expensive prices.