How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland are forced to switch their home country's driving license in order to obtain a Polish one. This is especially true for those who have resided in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented with a local address registration or visa or residence permit).
To achieve this they must pass a series tests and examinations. The most important ones are:
Medical Examination
It is difficult to obtain a driving license in Poland particularly for foreigners. The process starts with a medical examination to ensure you are physically fit enough to drive. Then you need to take a written exam to prove your understanding of Polish road rules and safety rules. Additionally, you will need to take a series driving lessons with an instructor certified to show that you are able to safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process can take up to 6 months or one year or more. If you're a resident of the EU or a member of the Vienna Convention, then your driver's license from your country will be accepted in Poland without needing to exchange it. Alternately an International Driving Permit (IDP) is suggested for those from countries that aren't a part of the Vienna Convention.
But, even if you are from one of these countries, you will require a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kierowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and pass an exam for medical conditions. You will also need to bring the translation of your driver's license into Polish as well as a copy your passport, as well as a valid visa or proof of residence.
Once you have completed all steps, you will be given a date for your driving test at your local road traffic center (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 rules. The test on the practical side is administered by a licensed driver and requires you to demonstrate the ability to drive a car including changing gears, maneuvering corners and parking.
In June 2017, drivers who work for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt will be required to possess a valid Polish driving license. New laws will force drivers to possess an active Polish driving license or face insurance issues. In addition, drivers from outside of the Eurozone will require a Polish license within the 185-day period after settling in Poland or risk exchanging their license.
Theory Exam
If you have 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, as long as your residency is confirmed by a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or any other document that confirms your right to remain. However, you'll be required to pass the theory part of the national exam regardless of whether your foreign license is attached to an International Driving Permit.
The test for theory is divided into two parts one written and the other practical portion. It is notoriously difficult, even for Polish people, and a majority of them fail on the first or second attempt even after a lot of studying. Numerous companies offer assistance to assist you in preparing for the test. Beware of scams - they will take your money, but not provide you with the preparation.
To schedule your theory test you must visit the nearest WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). When you register, you'll need a passport and your candidate driver profile (PKK). The fee for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you must be registered with your district authority (osdzie). Drogowy) to pass a practical exam. The process usually lasts a few weeks especially in large cities. At this point, you'll require an PKK, a passport and a document confirming your right to remain in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
If you pass the practical test, you'll receive your driving license within a couple of days. To get your license, you'll have to present the same documents you used to register your PKK and a proof of passing from the driving school. Driving in Poland is full of excitement, but also a great deal of responsibility. To ensure that you drive safely it is essential to follow all road rules, which includes wearing the seat belt, obeying traffic signals, and adhering to speed limits. If you do not you will be penalized by the police. This is why it is important to learn Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
Before you can pass the practical exam, you have to enroll in a driving school and pass some practical lessons. You can search online for driving schools in your area or ask around for recommendations. The course lasts for a couple of weeks and is extremely affordable. In the course you will learn to drive a car and also be assessed on the theory of driving.
The final step to get an Polish driving license is passing the state test. The test is held at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is split into two parts: the theory and practice. The theory portion is offered in a variety of languages, making it simpler 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 take an eye test. Depending on the kind of license you're pursuing, you may have to take additional oral or written exams.
When you apply for a Polish license You must also provide a copy of your birth certificate and evidence of your identity. If you are under 18, you must have a written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you are a foreign citizen, you must provide an image of your residence card or visa as well as the document that confirms your legal stay in Poland like a certificate of studies or visa stamp.
After you have fulfilled all of the requirements and passed all of the examinations, you are eligible to apply for a Polish driving license at your local voivodeship office. Be sure to bring your international driving license if you have one, along with all the required documents mentioned above. After you've provided all the required documents, your driving licence will be issued within two weeks. The license is valid for 15 years for those who are younger than 70 and three years for those over 70. motorradführerschein polen driving permit will make it easier for you to explore Poland and everything it offers.
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 firmly 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.
It is not an easy process especially for those with limited Polish proficiency. But there are solutions such as driving classes provided by a variety of language schools or private tutors, which provide individualized instruction and prepare students for the licensing test. In addition, there are various online resources that can assist students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving manners.
Before submitting an application for a license an applicant from another country should ensure they have all the necessary documents on hand. Google Translate can assist you to fill out the application form which is available for download, but must be filled out by hand.
Furthermore, if a candidate is planning 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. To learn how to deal with road accidents, the candidate must also attend a course on first aid.
A good thing for those with an international driving permit or foreign driving license you can use it in Poland up to 185 calendar days after the date of legal residence. However, from June this will change: drivers working for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are now required by law to exchange their license from abroad to a Polish one.
The new law was introduced to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent the transport of passengers on vehicles operated by drivers who don't meet the required requirements. But it has already been condemned by ridesharing companies as well as politicians who believe it could lead to longer wait times and higher costs for drivers.