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 especially 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 a residence permit).
To accomplish this they must pass a string of tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Examination
It is difficult to obtain an driving license in Poland particularly for foreigners. The process starts with a medical examination to confirm that you're physically fit enough to drive. The next step is to take a written exam to prove your understanding of Polish road rules and safety regulations. Finally, you will need to pass a series of practical driving lessons with a certified instructor in order to prove your competency to operate an automobile on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process can take up to 6 months, or an entire year or more. If you're a resident of the EU or a member of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving licence will be accepted in Poland without having to exchange it. Alternatively an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a must for those who reside in countries that aren't part of the Vienna Convention.
Even if you are a citizen of one of these nations, you will still need to obtain a PKK and take a medical test. You'll also need to bring a translation of your driver's license into Polish, a copy of your passport, and a valid visa or proof of residency.
Once you've completed all steps, you will receive a date for your driving test at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test for theory will be conducted on an automated machine. It will comprise multiple-choice questions on traffic laws, road signs, and safety regulations. The test in practice will be conducted 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.
Currently, drivers employed by ridesharing firms such as Uber or Bolt are not required to possess a Polish driving license, however as of June 2017 the law will change. New laws will require drivers to have an active Polish license or face car insurance issues. Drivers who are not part of the Eurozone must also get an Polish license within 185 days after settling in Poland or risk having their license revoked.
Theory Exam
If you hold a driving licence issued in a country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for a Polish licence after 185 days of legally residing, provided that your residency is proven by a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or other document that confirms your right to reside. You will still have to pass the part that is theoretical of the national test unless you have an international driving license that is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The test for theory is divided into two parts that are written and a practical portion. It is notoriously difficult, even for Polish people, and most of them fail on the first or second attempt even after a lot of studying. Many companies will help you prepare for the test. Beware of scams that promise to take your money but never offer you the necessary practice.
Visit your nearest WORD to plan your test. You'll require your passport as well as the candidate driver profile (PKK) at the time of registration. The cost for the theoretical part of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam, you need to sign up at your district authority office (osdzie drogowy) to pass a practical exam. This process usually lasts a few weeks particularly in larger cities. In this stage, you'll require a PKK, a passport and a proof of your right to remain 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 along with a proof of the driving school. Driving in Poland can be a lot of fun, but also the 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 signals. If you do not you will be reprimanded by the police. It is crucial to understand the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
You will need to first enroll in an accredited driving school and then complete the series of lessons before you are able to take your practical exam. You can locate a driving school in your area by searching online or asking around for recommendations. The course lasts for a couple of weeks and is affordable. During the lessons you will learn to drive and be tested in driving theory.
The state exam which is the final step to obtain the Polish license, is held at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The exam is split into two parts: theory and practice. The theory part is available in several languages, making it simpler for non-Polish speakers to prepare. During the practice part of the state test you will be required to demonstrate your ability to drive by showing your skills and knowledge.
You'll also need to complete a first aid and eye examination. Based on the kind of license you're planning to pursue, you might need to take additional oral or written tests.
In order to obtain a Polish license, you must also submit the original birth certificate and evidence of your identity. If you are under 18, you must have an official written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you are a non-native citizen, you must submit the photocopy of your residence card or visa and the document that confirms your legal residency in Poland, such as an official certificate of study or visa stamp.
You can apply for your Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office when you have fulfilled all requirements and passed the examinations. Make sure you bring your international driving permit if you have one, and all of the documents mentioned above. Once you've submitted all the required documents, your driving licence will be issued in 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 license will make it easier for you to get around Poland and explore all that it offers.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively easy in Poland, as they are in many European countries. führerschein polen kaufen are mandatory and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are rigorously enforced. However, certain specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be considered. For instance, foreigners wanting to get their driving license in Poland must undergo a medical examination and practical lessons before they can sit for the state exam.
It's not an easy process especially for those who have limited Polish proficiency. But there are solutions such as driving classes offered by various private tutors or language schools that offer individualized instruction and help students prepare for the licensing examination. Additionally there are a variety of online resources that can help students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
Before applying for a driver's license, a foreigner should ensure that they have all the necessary documents in their possession. This includes a completed application form (which can be downloaded but must be filled out in person in Polish, so Google Translate is your best option) A medical certificate proving that the applicant is fit to drive, and a current photograph that is of the right size and format requirements.
If a candidate wishes to obtain a license for categories C or D, they will also need to pass an oral and a written test which covers vehicle types and safety regulations. To learn how to deal with road accidents, the candidate must also take a class on first aid.
There's good news for those who have an international driving permit or a foreign driving license you can use it in Poland up to 185 calendar days after their date of legal residence. Starting in June the policy will change. Drivers who work for ridesharing services such as Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their foreign driving license to the Polish license.
The new rule was enacted to increase safety for passengers and to prevent the transportation of people on vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the required standards. It has been criticized already by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will result in longer waiting times for drivers and more expensive prices.