How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland are required to exchange their home driving license to one issued by Poland. This is particularly applicable to those who have been in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented by a local address registration, a visa or a residence permit).
To achieve this, they must to pass a variety of tests and exams. The most important ones are:
Medical Examination
It can be difficult to get an driving license in Poland, especially for foreigners. The process begins with a medical exam to ensure that you are physically fit to drive. The next step is to pass a written test to prove your knowledge of Polish safety and road rules. In addition, you'll need to complete a set of practical driving lessons with a certified instructor in order to prove that you can safely operate the vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on your origin, the process could take anywhere from 6 to 12 months or longer. If you are a citizen of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving license will be accepted in Poland without needing to exchange it. In addition, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a must for citizens of countries that aren't a part of the Vienna Convention.
Even if you are an a resident of one of these nations, you will still need to obtain a PKK as well as pass a medical examination. You'll also need to bring a translation of your driver's licence into Polish and 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 date at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test is conducted using an automated system and will consist of multiple-choice questions about traffic laws such as road signs, safety regulations. The test on the practical side is administered by a licensed driver and requires you to demonstrate your ability to drive a vehicle such as changing gears, driving around corners and parking.
In June 2017, drivers working for ride-sharing companies such as Uber or Bolt will be required to have an active 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 an Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk losing their license.
Theory Exam
If you are a holder of the driving license of a country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention you can swap it out for a Polish licence after 185 days, provided your residency is documented by the registration of your address in Poland (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa, or any other document that confirms your right to remain. However, you'll have to pass the theoretical portion of the national test regardless of whether your foreign license is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is a multiple-part test comprised of a written portion and a practice one. Even the Polish aren't able to pass it, and many fail in their first or second attempts despite studying hard. Many companies will help you prepare for the test. Beware of scams - they'll take your money, but not offer any help in training.
Visit your nearest WORD to plan your test. You will need your passport and the candidate driver profile (PKK) when you register. The cost for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing killer deal must then sign up at the district authority office (osdzie (drogowy), for a practical examination. This process usually lasts a few weeks especially in large cities. You will require your PKK, passport and document confirming that you have the right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
After passing the practical test, you will receive your driving license within a couple of days. You'll need the same documents you used to get your PKK along with a proof of the driving school. Driving in Poland is a lot of fun but it's also a responsibilities. If polnischer führerschein kosten wish to drive safely, you must obey 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. This is why it is important to master the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
Before you can take the practical exam you must enroll in an driving school and pass a number of practical lessons. You can locate a driving school in your location by searching online or asking around for suggestions. The course is inexpensive and takes a few weeks. In the lessons, you'll learn to drive a vehicle and be tested in driving theory.
The final step to get an Polish driving license is to pass the state exam. It is administered at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The test consists of two parts that are practice and theory. The theory part is available in several languages, making it easy for non-Polish speakers to study. In the state test practice, you will need to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge.
You'll also have to complete a first aid course and have an eye test. Depending on the type of license you are seeking, you may need to pass additional written or oral exams.
When you apply for a Polish license you will also need to submit a copy of your birth certificate as well as identification proof. If you are less than 18 years old, you must submit a written consent of your parent or legal guardian. If you are an international citizen, you'll have to provide a photocopy of your residence card or visa and any document that demonstrates your legal residence in Poland.
You can apply for your Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office after you have completed all requirements and passed the tests. Bring your international driving license in the event that you have it along with the other documents listed above. After you've provided all the required documents, your driving licence will be issued in two weeks. The driving license is valid for 15-years for drivers younger than 70, and for three years for those older than 70. A driving license will make it much easier to travel around Poland and explore everything Poland has to offer.
Registration
The rules of the road are simple in Poland, as they are in most European countries. Seatbelts are mandatory and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited and speed limits are rigorously enforced. There are a few conditions that must be fulfilled by foreign drivers. For instance, foreigners who want to obtain a driving license in Poland must pass a medical examination and practical training before they can take the state examination.
The process is not without challenges, especially for those who aren't fluent in Polish. But there are solutions such as driving classes provided by a variety of language schools or private tutors, which provide individualized instruction and help students prepare for the licensing examination. Additionally there are numerous online resources that can help students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
Foreigners must have all the required documents prior to applying for the driver's license. Google Translate can help you fill out the application form that is available for download but must be filled out by hand.
If a candidate wishes to obtain a license for categories C or D they must also pass an oral and a written exam that covers vehicle types and safety regulations. In addition an initial aid course is required to learn how to respond to accidents on the road.
There's good news for those who have an international driving permit or foreign driving licence: they can use it in Poland for up to 185 days after the date of their legal residence. However, beginning in June, this will change: drivers working for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are legally required to exchange their license from abroad to a Polish one.
The new requirement was implemented to improve passenger safety and stop people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers that do not meet the required standards. But it has already been condemned by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will lead to longer waiting times and higher prices for drivers.