How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland have to switch their home country's driving license for one in the Polish one. This is particularly the case for those who have spent more than 185 days as a legal resident (documented by local address registration or visa).
To achieve this they must pass a series tests and examinations. The most important ones are:
Medical Examination
It isn't easy to obtain a driving permit in Poland especially for foreigners. The process starts with a medical test to determine if you are physically fit to drive. The next step is to pass a written test to prove your understanding of Polish road rules and safety rules. Additionally, you will need to take a series of driving classes with a certified instructor to show that you are able to safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process may take up to 6 months, or an entire year or more. Fortunately, if you're an EU citizen or from a country that is a party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license can be recognized in Poland without having to exchange it. In addition you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for those from countries that aren't part of the convention.
Even if you are a citizen of one of these nations, you'll still need to obtain a PKK as well as pass a medical examination. You'll also need to bring the translation of your driver's license into Polish, a copy of your passport, as well as a valid visa or proof of residency.
Once you have completed the required steps, you will be given a driving test date at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The theoretical test will be taken on an automated machine and will consist of multiple choice questions on traffic laws, road signs and safety regulations. The test on the practical side is conducted by a licensed driver. It requires you to demonstrate the ability to drive a vehicle including changing gears, maneuvering corners and parking.
As of June 2017, drivers who work for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt will be required to possess an active Polish driving license. New laws will force drivers to possess an active Polish driving license or face insurance problems. In addition, drivers from outside of the Eurozone will need to get a Polish licence within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk exchanging their license.
Theory Exam
If you hold a driving license issued in the country that is a member to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for an Polish licence after 185 days of legally residing, provided that your residency is confirmed by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or any other document that confirms your right to reside. However, you will still need to pass the theoretical part of the national exam regardless of whether your foreign license is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is split into two parts that are written and a practical portion. It is notoriously difficult, even for Polish people, and a majority of people fail on the first or second attempt despite a lot of study. Numerous companies offer assistance to assist you in preparing for the test. Beware of scams that promise to make you pay, but they will never offer you the necessary practice.
To book your theory test, visit your local WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). You will need your passport and the candidate driver profile (PKK) at the time of registration. A fee for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you will need to sign up with your district authority (osdzie). (drogowy) (drogowy), for a practical examination. The process usually can take a week or two especially in the larger cities. You will require your PKK, passport and document that confirms that you have the right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
Once the practical exam is passed, you can obtain your driving licence within a few days. To do this you will be required to bring the same documents that you have used to register your PKK, plus a certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland can be full of fun, but it also comes with an immense amount of responsibility. If you want to drive safely, you must obey all the rules of the road. including wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits and following traffic lights. If you don't you will be reprimanded by the police. It is important to know the Polish driving rules and etiquette.
Practical Exam
Before you can take the practical test you must be enrolled in driving school and complete several practical classes. You can search the internet for driving schools in your area or ask around for recommendations. The course is for a few weeks and is affordable. In the lessons, you'll learn to drive and test your driving theory.
The final step in obtaining an Polish driving license is passing the state exam. The test is held at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The test consists of two parts that are practice and theory. The theory part of the test is available in multiple languages, which makes it easier for non Polish people to prepare. During the state exam practice you'll need to demonstrate your driving skills and understanding.
You'll also have to take a course in first aid and an eye exam. Depending on the type of license you're planning to pursue, you might need to pass additional written or oral examinations.
During the process of getting a Polish license You must also provide an original birth certificate as well as identification proof. If you are younger than 18, you must have written permission from your legal guardian or parent. If lkw führerschein in polen machen are a foreign citizen, you must provide the photocopy of your residence card or visa as well as the document that confirms your legal stay in Poland for example, a 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. Be sure to bring your international driving permit, if you have one, along with all of the necessary documents listed above. Once you've submitted all the required documents, your driving licence will be issued within two weeks. The driving license is valid for 15 years for drivers younger than 70, and for three years for those older than 70. The possession of a driving permit will make it much easier for you to move around Poland and discover all it offers.
Registration
Like many countries in Europe the rules of the road in Poland are generally straightforward. Seatbelts are required and drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden and speed limits are enforced. There are a few requirements that must be met by foreign drivers. For example foreigners looking to get their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical exam and undergo practical training.
The process does not come without difficulties, particularly for those who don't speak in Polish. There are other options available, for instance, driving lessons offered by language schools as well as private tutors. These courses provide individual instruction to prepare students for the license exam. Additionally there are numerous online resources that will help students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving behavior.
Foreigners must have all the required documents before applying for an driver's license. This includes an application form that is completed (which can be downloaded but must be filled out by hand in Polish which means that Google Translate is your best friend) and a medical certificate proving that the applicant is healthy enough to drive, and one current photograph that meets the requirements for size and format.
Additionally, if the candidate is planning to pursue a license in categories C or D, they must pass an oral and written exam that focuses on vehicle types and safety regulations. To learn how to respond to road accidents, the applicant must also take a class on first aid.
There's good news for those who have an international driving permit or foreign driving licence: they 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 such as Uber or Bolt are legally required to exchange their license from abroad for one that is a Polish one.
The new rule was enacted to improve safety for passengers and to prevent the transportation of people on vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the required requirements. But it has already been criticized by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it could lead to longer waiting times and higher costs for drivers.