How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland are required to exchange their home driving license to one issued by Poland. This is especially true for those who have spent more than 185 days as a legal resident (documented by local address registration, visa or residence permit).
To accomplish this, they must pass a series of tests and exams. read the full info here are:
Medical Exam
It can be difficult to get a driving permit in Poland particularly for foreigners. The process begins with a medical exam to confirm that you are physically fit enough to drive. You will then have to pass a written test to prove your understanding of Polish safety and road rules. Then, you'll have to complete a set of practical driving lessons with a certified instructor to prove your competency to operate the vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on where you're from, the process could take as little as 6 months, or an entire year or more. Luckily, if you are an EU citizen or from one of the countries that are parties to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license will be recognized in Poland without the need to exchange it. For citizens of countries not included in the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
However, even if you are from one of these countries, you'll need to obtain a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kierowce Driver Candidate Profile) and take an examination for medical reasons. You'll also have to bring a translated version of your driver's licence in Polish as well as the passport copy and proof of residency or an official visa.
After you have completed all steps, you will receive an appointment date for your driving test at the local road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The theoretical test will be performed on an automated device and will comprise multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs and safety rules. The test in practice is conducted by a licensed driver and requires you to demonstrate the ability to drive a car including changing gears, navigating corners and parking.
Currently, drivers employed by ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are not required to hold a Polish driving license. However, as of June 2017 the situation will change. New laws will require drivers to hold an active Polish driving license or face insurance problems. In addition, drivers from outside of the Eurozone must obtain 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 an country which is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention you can swap it out for a Polish licence after 185 legal days, provided your residency is confirmed by a local address registration (Zameldowanie), residence card, visa, or any other document that confirms your right to remain. You must still pass the theoretical portion of the national examination regardless of whether you have an international driving permit which is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is a multiple-part test comprised of a written part and a practice one. Even the Polish aren't able to pass it, and many fail their first or second attempts even though they have studied hard. Many companies will assist you in preparing for the test. Beware of scams that promise to make you pay, but they will never offer you the necessary preparation.
Visit your nearest WORD location to schedule your theory test. You will need your passport and the candidate driver profile (PKK) when you register. The fee for the part that is theoretical is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test You must then register at your district authority office (osdzie Drogowy) to pass a practical exam. In most cases this process will take about a week especially in the larger cities. At this point, you'll require a PKK, a passport and a proof of your right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
Once the practical exam is passed, you can obtain your driving licence within some days. You'll need the exact documents that you used to obtain your PKK plus a certificate of the driving school. Driving in Poland is a lot of fun but it's also a responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must obey all the rules of the road. which includes wearing seat belts, observing speed limits, and obeying traffic signals. You will be fined by the police if do not. It is crucial to understand the Polish driving rules and etiquette.
Practical Exam
You'll need to enroll at an academy for driving and take the series of lessons before you can take your practical test. You can look online for driving schools in your area or ask for recommendations. The course is affordable and takes a few weeks. In the course, you will learn to drive a vehicle and be tested in driving theory.
The final step to get an Polish driving license is the state test. The test is held at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is divided into two parts: theory and practice. The theory part of the test is available in multiple languages, which makes it easier for non Polish natives to prepare. During the practice part of the state test, you must demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your skills and knowledge.
You'll also have to pass a course in first aid and eye examination. Based on the type of license you're planning to pursue, you might need to take additional oral or written exams.
In order to obtain a Polish license you will also need to submit a copy of your birth certificate as well as proof of identity. If you are less than 18 years old, you must submit a written consent of your legal guardian or parent. If you are a non-native citizen, you must submit an image of your residence card or visa and a document confirming your legal residence in Poland like a certificate of studies or visa stamp.
After you have completed all the requirements and passed all exams, you can apply for an Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship office. Bring your international driving permit, if you have it along with the other documents listed above. After you have all the required documents, the office will process them and issue your driver's license within two weeks. fahrschule polen driving license is valid for 15 years for drivers younger than 70, and for three years for those older than 70. Having a driving license will make it much easier for you to get around Poland and discover all Poland has to offer.
Registration
As with most countries in Europe, the rules of the roads in Poland are generally simple. Seatbelts are required and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are firmly enforced. However, some specific requirements for foreign drivers need to be considered. For instance, foreigners wishing to get a driver's license in Poland must take a medical exam and practical lessons before they can take the state exam.
The process is not without difficulties, particularly for those who aren't fluent in Polish. There are other options, for instance, driving lessons offered by language schools as well as private tutors. These classes provide specific instruction that prepares students for the license 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, a foreigner should make sure they have all required documents in their possession. This includes an application form that is completed (which can be downloaded, but must be completed by hand in Polish and Polish, so Google Translate is your friend), a medical certificate proving that the applicant is able to drive, as well as a current photograph that meets dimensions and format requirements.
Furthermore, if a candidate plans to pursue a license in categories C or D, they must pass an oral and written test that is focused on the type of vehicle and safety regulations. To learn how to handle road accidents, the applicant must also complete a course on first aid.
A good thing for those with an international driving permit, or foreign driving licence you can use it in Poland for up to 185 days after the date of legal residence. However, beginning in June, this will change: drivers working for ridesharing firms like Uber or Bolt are now required by law to exchange their foreign license to one that is a Polish one.
The new law was enacted to improve passenger safety and stop people from being transported in vehicles driven by drivers who don't meet the requirements. The new requirement has already been criticized by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe that it will lead to longer wait times for drivers as well as more expensive prices.