How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland are forced to exchange their home country's driving license for one issued by Poland. This is particularly applicable to those who have resided in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented by a local address registration or visa, or a residence permit).
To accomplish this, they must pass a series of tests and examinations. The most important are:
Medical Examination
It is difficult to obtain a driving permit in Poland especially for foreigners. The procedure starts with a medical examination to confirm that you are physically fit to drive. You will then have to pass a written test to prove your understanding of Polish safety and road regulations. In addition, you'll need to complete a series of driving lessons in a practical manner with a certified instructor to prove your competency to operate an automobile on Polish roads.
Depending on the country you're from, the process could take up to 6 months or up to a year or more. If you're a resident 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. Alternatively an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a must for those from countries that are not part of the Vienna Convention.
However, even if you are from one of these countries, you will require a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kierowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and take an examination for medical reasons. You'll also have to bring a translation of your driver's licence into Polish, as well as an original passport and proof of residence or an official visa.
After führerschein kosten in polen have completed all steps, you will receive an appointment date for your driving test at the local road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test will be taken on an automated machine and will consist of 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 that includes changing gears, driving around curves and parking.
In June 2017, drivers working for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt will be required to have an active Polish driving license. New laws will require drivers to have an active Polish license or else face issues with car insurance. Drivers who reside outside of the Eurozone must also obtain an Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk having their license exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you have a driving licence issued in a country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for a Polish license after 185 days of legal residence, provided that your residency is proven by a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or other document confirming your right to stay. However, you will still be required to pass the theory portion of the national test, unless your foreign licence is attached to an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is a multi-part test that consists of a written part and a practical part. Even the Polish struggle with it and many fail their first or second attempts even though they have studied hard. There are a variety of companies offering to help you prepare for the test, but beware frauds by these companies - they might make you pay and then not provide the training you need.
Visit your nearest WORD to arrange your theory test. During the registration you will need a passport along with your driver profile for candidates (PKK). The cost for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test After passing the theory exam, you must sign up at the district authority office (osdzie Drogowy) to pass a practical exam. The process typically lasts a few weeks especially in large cities. In this stage, you'll need an 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 get your driving licence within a few days. To get your license, you'll be required to bring the same documents you have used to register your PKK, plus a certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland is very enjoyable, but it is also a responsibility. If you wish 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 penalized by the police. This is why it is very important to master the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
Before you can sit for the test you must be enrolled in an driving school and pass some practical lessons. 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 will be tested in driving theory.
The final step to get a Polish driving license is to pass the state test. This is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers. führerschein schnellkurs polen is divided into two parts: theory, and practice. The theory portion is available in a variety of languages, making it simpler for non-Polish speakers to prepare. In the state test practice you'll need to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge.
You'll also need to complete a first aid course and pass an eye test. You may also need to pass oral or written tests, based on the type of license you're looking to obtain.
You must submit your birth certificate along with proof of identity when applying for an Polish driving license. If you are not yet 18 years old, you must present a written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you are an international citizen, you'll have to provide a photocopy of your visa or residence card and any document that demonstrates your legal residency in Poland.
You can apply for a Polish driving licence at the local Voivodeship Office when you have completed all requirements and passed the examinations. Make sure you bring your international driving permit if you have one, and all the required documents listed above. Once you have all the necessary documents the office will review them and issue your driving permit in about 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 makes it easier for you to explore Poland and all it offers.
Registration
As with most countries in Europe the rules of the road in Poland are generally clear. Seatbelts are required and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are rigorously enforced. However, certain specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be taken into account. For instance, foreigners wishing to get a driver's license in Poland must undergo a medical examination and practical training before they can sit for the state examination.
It's not an easy process, especially for those with a limited Polish proficiency. There are other options available, such as driving classes provided by language schools or private tutors. These classes provide individual instruction to prepare students for the test. Additionally there are a variety of online resources that can assist students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving manners.
Foreigners must have all the required documents prior to applying for the driver's license. This includes an application form that is completed (which is available for download but must be completed by hand in Polish, so Google Translate is your best friend) and a medical certificate proving that the applicant is fit to drive, as well as a current photograph that is of the right dimensions and format requirements.
Furthermore, if a candidate plans to pursue a license in categories C or D, they must be able to pass an oral and written exam that focuses on the type of vehicle and safety regulations. To be able to handle road accidents, the driver must also attend a course on first aid.
For those who have an international driving permit or a foreign driving license, there's great news: they'll be able to use it in Poland for 185 days following their date of legal residency. Starting in June the policy will change. Drivers who are employed by ridesharing services like Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their driving licenses from abroad to the Polish license.
The new requirement was introduced to increase safety for passengers and to prevent the transportation of passengers on vehicles operated by drivers who do not meet the required requirements. It has already been criticized by the ridesharing industry and politicians who believe that it will result in longer waiting periods for drivers and higher prices.