How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who live in Poland are required to exchange their home driving license in their country for one issued by Poland. This is especially relevant for those who have been in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented with the registration of a local address or visa, or a residence permit).
To achieve this, they must to pass a number of tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Examination
It is difficult to obtain an driving license in Poland especially for foreigners. The process begins with a medical test to ensure you are physically fit to drive. The next step is to pass a written test to prove your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety rules. Then, you'll have to complete a series of practical driving lessons with a certified instructor in order to demonstrate your ability to safely operate an automobile on Polish roads.
Depending on where you're from, the process could take up to 6 months, or one year or more. Luckily, if you are 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 suggested for those from countries that aren't part of the Vienna Convention.
But, even if you are from one of these countries, you'll need to obtain a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kilorowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and take a medical exam. You will also need to bring a translation of your driver's license in Polish and a copy of your passport and an original visa or proof of residence.
After you have completed all the necessary steps, you will be given a driving test date 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 tests on traffic laws, road signs and safety rules. The test on the practical side is administered by a licensed driver. It requires you to demonstrate your ability to drive a vehicle including changing gears, maneuvering corners and parking.
Drivers working for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are not required to hold a Polish driving license, but in June 2017 the law will change. New laws will require drivers to possess an official Polish driving license or face insurance problems. Drivers who are not part of the Eurozone must also get an Polish license within 185 days of arriving in Poland or risk having their licenses exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you own a driver's license issued by a country that is a member to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for an Polish license after 185 consecutive days of legal residence in the event that your residence is confirmed by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or another document that confirms your right to stay. You will still have to pass the theory portion of the national examination unless you have an international driving license that is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is divided into two parts that are written and a practical portion. It is notoriously difficult, even for Polish people, and the majority of them fail on their first or second attempt despite a lot of study. Many companies offer to assist you in preparing for the test. Beware of scams that promise to take your money, but not provide you with the practice.
To book your theory test to take it, go to your local WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchudrogowego). At the time of registration, you will need a passport along with your profile as a driver candidate (PKK). The cost for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam After passing the theory exam, you must sign up at your district authority office (osdzie (drogowy) (drogowy) for a practical examination. In most cases, this process will take about a week, especially in big cities. You'll need your PKK passport, passport and a document confirming that you are able to remain in Poland (Zameldowanie).
After passing the test, you will be issued your driving license within a few days. To do this you will have to bring the same documents you have used to register your PKK and a proof of passing from the driving school. Driving in Poland is a lot of fun however, it's also a responsibility. To ensure that you drive safely, it is important to follow all road regulations, including wearing your seat belt, paying attention to traffic signals, and obeying speed limits. If you don't you will be reprimanded by the police. This is why it is very important to learn the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
You will need to first enroll in an accredited driving school and then complete a series of practical lessons before you can take your practical test. You can locate a driving school in your area by searching online or asking around for suggestions. The course is for a few weeks and is affordable. During the lessons you will learn to drive a vehicle and will be tested in driving theory.
The final step in obtaining the Polish driving license is passing the state exam. The test is held at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is split into two parts: theory, and practice. The theory part of the exam is offered in multiple languages, making it easier for non Polish people to prepare. In the state test practice you'll need to demonstrate your driving abilities and knowledge.
You'll also have to complete a first aid course and have an eye test. Depending on the type of license you're seeking, you may need to take additional oral or written exams.
In order to obtain a Polish license you will also need to submit the original birth certificate and proof of identity. If you are under 18 years old, you need to have an official written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If lkw führerschein polen are an international citizen, you will require a photocopy of your residence card or visa, as well as any document that confirms your legal residence in Poland.
You can apply for your Polish driving licence at the local Voivodeship Office after you have fulfilled all requirements and passed the examinations. Make sure you bring your international driving license if you have one, along with all of the documents listed above. After you've submitted all required documents, your driving license will be issued in two weeks. The license is valid for 15 years for those under the age of 70, and three years for those over 70. A driving permit will make it easier for you to explore Poland and all it offers.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively simple in Poland, as they are in many European countries. Seatbelts are mandatory, alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited and speed limits are enforced. However, some specific requirements for foreign drivers need to be taken into account. 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 examination.
It's not an easy task particularly for those who have limited Polish proficiency. There are other options available, such as driving classes offered by language schools or private tutors. These courses provide individual instruction to prepare students for the licensing exam. In addition, there are various online resources that will help a student to understand Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
Before applying for a driver's license an applicant from another country should ensure they have all required documents available. Google Translate can help you fill out the application form which is available for download, but must be completed by hand.
If the candidate wants to be licensed in categories C or D, they must also pass an oral and written exam which covers vehicle types and safety regulations. To learn how to deal with road accidents, the driver must also complete a course on first aid.
A good thing for those with an international driving permit or a foreign driving license you can use it in Poland up to 185 days after the date of their legal residence. However, from June, this will change: drivers working for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are legally required to exchange their foreign license for a Polish one.
The new law was introduced to ensure the safety of passengers and to prevent the transportation of passengers on vehicles operated by drivers who do not meet the necessary standards. The new requirement has already been criticized by riders and politicians who believe it will cause longer waiting periods for drivers and increased costs for passengers.