How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland are forced to switch their home country's driving license for an Polish one. This is particularly applicable to those who have resided in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented by the registration of a local address, a visa or a residence permit).
To accomplish this, they have to pass a variety of tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Exam
It is difficult to obtain an driving license in Poland particularly for foreigners. The procedure begins with a medical test 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 rules. You will also need to undergo a series of driving lessons with a certified instructor to prove that you can safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process may take up to 6 months or one year or more. If you're an EU citizen or from a country that is a party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license will be recognized in Poland without having to exchange it. For those who are citizens of countries that are not included in the Vienna Convention and not part of the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Even if you're an a resident of one of these nations, you will still need to obtain a PKK and pass a medical examination. You will also need to bring an official translation of your driver's license into Polish and a copy of your passport, as well as an original visa or proof of residence.
After you have completed all the necessary steps, you'll be offered a test date at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test is taken on an automated machine and will comprise multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs and safety regulations. The test in practice is administered by a licensed driver and requires you to demonstrate the ability to drive a vehicle including changing gears, maneuvering corners and parking.
Currently, drivers employed by ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are not required to hold an Polish driving license. However, as of June 2017 the law will change. New laws will require that drivers have an official Polish license or face car insurance issues. Additionally, drivers from outside of the Eurozone will require an Polish license within 180 days of arriving in Poland or risk losing their license.
Theory Exam
If you own a driver's license issued in the country that is a party 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 a residence card, visa or other document confirming your right to stay. However, you'll need to pass the theoretical portion of the national test regardless of whether your foreign license is attached to an International Driving Permit.
The test for theory is divided into two parts that are written and a practical portion. Even the Polish struggle with it and many fail in their first or second attempts despite a lot of study. Many companies will assist you in preparing for the test. Beware of scams - they'll take your money but never offer any help in practice.
Visit your nearest WORD location to arrange your theory test. When you register, you'll require a passport as well as your driver profile for candidates (PKK). The cost for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam, you need to sign up at the district authority office (osdzie drogowy) for a practical test. In most cases this process will take about a week particularly in large cities. You'll need your PKK passport, passport and a document that confirms that you are able to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
After passing the practical test, you will be issued your driving license within a few working days. To do this you will be required to present the same documents you used to register your PKK along with a valid certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland can be full of fun, but it also comes with the responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must adhere to all the rules of the road - including wearing seat belts, observing speed limits and obeying traffic signals. You will be fined by the police if do not. This is why it is very important to master the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
Before you can take the practical test you must enroll in a driving school and pass some practical lessons. You can look online for driving schools in your area, or ask friends for recommendations. The cost of the course is reasonable and takes a few weeks. In the course, you will learn how to drive a car and be assessed on the theory of driving.
The state test that is the last step in obtaining a 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 of the test is available in a variety of languages, which makes it easier for non Polish people to prepare. In the practice portion of the state test you will be required to demonstrate your ability to drive by showing your skills and understanding.
You'll also need to pass a course in first aid and an eye exam. You may need to pass oral or written tests, based on the type of license you're pursuing.
When you apply for a Polish license you will also need to submit an original birth certificate and identification proof. If you are younger than 18 years old, you must present a written consent from your legal guardian or parent. If you are an international citizen, you will require a photocopy of your visa or residence card along with any document that demonstrates your legal stay in Poland.
You can apply for a Polish driving licence at the local Voivodeship Office once you have fulfilled all requirements and passed the examinations. Make sure to bring your international driving permit, if you have one, along with all of the necessary documents mentioned above. After you have all the necessary documents the office will review them and issue your driver's license within two weeks. The license is valid for 15-years for drivers who are younger than 70, and for three years for those older than 70. A driving license makes it easier to explore Poland and everything it offers.
Registration
As with most countries in Europe, the rules of the roads in Poland are generally straightforward. Seatbelts are required and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are strictly enforced. There are a few requirements that must be met by foreign drivers. For instance foreigners looking to get their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical exam and take practical lessons.
It's not an easy process especially for those with limited Polish proficiency. However, there are solutions such as driving classes provided by a variety of language schools or private tutors that offer individualized instruction and help students prepare for the licensing examination. There are also many online resources that can help students understand Polish road signs, driving etiquette and other aspects of driving.
A foreigner should have all the required documents required to apply for a driver's license. Google Translate can assist you to fill out the application form that is available for download, but must be filled out by hand.
Furthermore, if a candidate intends to pursue a license under categories C or D, they must also pass an oral and written test that focuses on vehicle types and safety regulations. To learn how to handle führerschein kosten in polen , the candidate must also complete a course on first aid.
Good news for those with an international driving permit or foreign driving license that they are able to use it in Poland for up to 185 days after the date of legal residence. However, from wieviel kostet ein führerschein in polen will change: drivers working for ridesharing firms such as Uber or Bolt are now required by law to exchange their license from abroad for one that is a Polish one.
The new requirement was introduced to improve safety for passengers and stop the transportation of people on vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the required requirements. It has been criticized already by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will cause longer waiting times for drivers and higher prices.