How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland have to change their home country driving license to a Polish one. This is particularly true for those who have resided in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented with an address registration for local addresses or visa or residence permit).
To do this, they must pass a series tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Exam
It isn't easy to obtain an driving license in Poland, especially for foreigners. The procedure starts with a medical examination to ensure you are physically fit for driving. Then you need to pass a written theory exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety rules. wie viel kostet ein führerschein in polen must also take a series of driving classes with an instructor certified to prove that you are able to safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process could take as little as 6 months or up to a year or more. Fortunately, if you're an EU citizen or one of the countries that are parties to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license will be recognized in Poland without having to exchange it. For those who are citizens of countries that are not included in the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
However, even if you are from one of these countries, you will need to obtain a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kilorowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and take an exam for medical conditions. You will also need to bring a translation of your driver's licence into Polish and a copy of your passport, as well as the valid visa or proof of residence.
After you've completed all steps, you will be given a date for your driving test at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test will be taken on an automated machine and will comprise multiple choice questions on traffic laws such as road signs, safety rules. The practical test will be administered by a licensed instructor. It will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a car, including changing gears, driving around curves and parking.
At present, drivers employed by ridesharing firms like Uber or Bolt are not required to hold an Polish driving license, but in June 2017 the situation will change. New laws will require drivers to possess an official Polish driving license or face insurance issues. Drivers from outside the Eurozone must also get a Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk having their licenses exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you own a driver's license issued by a country that is a party to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for an Polish licence after 185 days of legal residency in the event that your residence is proven by a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or any other document confirming your right reside. However, you will still need to pass the theoretical portion of the national test, unless your foreign licence is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multi-part test that consists of a written portion and a practical part. Even the Polish aren't able to pass it, and many fail in their first or second attempts despite studying hard. There are a variety of companies offering to help you prepare for the test, but beware their swindles - they may be able to take your money and not provide you with the necessary preparations.
Visit your nearest WORD location to arrange your theory test. When you register, you'll need a passport and your driver profile for candidates (PKK). The cost for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam, you need to register at your district authority office (osdzie (drogowy) (drogowy), for a practical test. This process usually takes a few weeks, especially in large cities. In this stage, you'll need a PKK, a passport and a document that confirms your right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
After passing the test, you will receive your driving license within a couple of days. To get your license, you'll have to bring the same documents you used to register your PKK along with a valid certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland is full of excitement, but also an immense amount of responsibility. If you wish 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 reprimanded by the police. It is important to know the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
Before you can pass the practical exam you must enroll in an driving school and pass several practical classes. You can search the internet for driving schools in your area, or ask friends for recommendations. The course is inexpensive and lasts a few weeks. During the lessons you will learn how to drive a car and be tested in driving theory.
The final step to get the Polish driving license is passing the state exam. The test is held at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The test is divided into two parts: theory, and practice. The theory part is available in a variety of languages, making it easy for non-Polish speakers to study. During listen to this podcast , you will need to demonstrate your driving skills and understanding.
You'll also have to take a course in first aid and eye examination. You may be required to pass oral or written tests, based on the type of license you're pursuing.
When you apply for a Polish license, you must also submit the original birth certificate as well as proof of identity. If you are not yet 18 years old, you must present written permission from your parent or legal guardian. If you are an international citizen, you will have to provide a photocopy of your visa or residence card, as well as any other document that proves your legal residency in Poland.
Once you have met all of the requirements and passed all examinations, you are eligible to apply for an Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship office. Bring your international driving permit in the event that you have it, and the other documents listed above. Once you've submitted all the required documents, your driving licence 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 over 70. A driving permit 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 mandatory and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited and speed limits are firmly enforced. There are certain requirements that must be met by foreign drivers. For instance, foreigners wishing to get a driver's license in Poland must pass a medical examination and practical lessons before they can take the state test.
The process does not come without challenges, particularly 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 specific instruction that prepares students for the licensing exam. There are numerous online resources that can aid students in understanding Polish road signs, driving etiquette and other aspects of driving.
A foreigner should have all of the necessary documents before applying for the driver's license. Google Translate can assist you to complete the application form, which can be downloaded, but must be filled out by hand.
Additionally, if the candidate plans to pursue a license in categories C or D, they must pass an oral and written test that focuses on the types of vehicles and safety regulations. Additionally the first aid course must be attended to learn how to react to road accidents.
For those who have an international driving permit or a foreign driving license, there's some good news: they are able to use it in Poland for 185 days following their date of legal residence. However, starting in June, this will change: drivers working for ridesharing firms like Uber or Bolt are legally required to exchange their license from abroad to one that is a Polish one.
The new law was enacted to increase safety for passengers and prevent people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers that do not meet the required requirements. But it has already been criticized by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it could lead to longer wait times and higher costs for drivers.