How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland find themselves having to change their home country driving license for a Polish one. polnische führerschein kaufen is especially true for people who spend more than 180 days as a legally resident (documented by local address registration, visa or residence permit).
To achieve this, they must pass a series of tests and examinations. 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 examination to confirm that you're physically fit enough to drive. The next step is to pass a written test to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish safety and road rules. In addition, you'll need to complete a set of driving lessons in a practical manner with a certified instructor to prove that you can safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from The process can take 6 months or even longer. 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 the need to exchange it. For citizens of countries that aren't included in the Vienna Convention or the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Even if you are an a resident of one of these countries you still have to obtain a PKK as well as take a medical test. You will also be required to carry a translation of your driver's licence in Polish as well as a copy your passport and proof of residence or a valid visa.
Once you have completed the necessary steps, you'll be given a driving test time at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The theoretical test will be conducted using an automated system and will comprise multiple choice questions regarding traffic laws such as road signs, safety regulations. The test in practice will be administered by a certified instructor and will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a vehicle, including changing gears, driving around curves and parking.
As of June 2017, drivers working for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt will be required to possess a valid Polish driving license. The new laws will require that drivers have an active Polish license or face car insurance issues. Drivers from outside the Eurozone must also get an Polish license within 185 days of arriving in Poland or risk having their license revoked.
Theory Exam
If you own a driver's licence issued in a country that is a member to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for the Polish licence after 185 days of legal residence in the event that your residence is proven by a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or any other document confirming your right remain. You must still pass the theoretical portion of the national examination regardless of whether you have an international driving permit that is accompanied by a International Driving Permit.
The theory test is a multi-part test that consists of a written section and a practical one. It is notoriously difficult, even for the Polish people, and most of them fail on their first or second try even after a lot of studying. Many companies will help you prepare for the test. Beware of scams - they'll make you pay, but they will never provide you with the practice.
To book your theory test, visit the nearest WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchudrogowego). When you register, you'll need a passport along with your candidate driver profile (PKK). The cost for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam You must then register at your district authority office (osdzie (drogowy) (drogowy), for a practical test. The process typically takes about a week, particularly in cities with large populations. At this time you will need a PKK as well as a passport and a document confirming your right to reside in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
Once the practical exam is completed, you will be able to get your driving license within a few days. To do this you will be required to bring the same documents that you used to register your PKK and a proof of passing from the driving school. Driving in Poland can be full of excitement, but also a great deal of responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must follow all the rules of the road. including wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits and following traffic lights. You will be fined by the police if don't. This is why it is so important to learn Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
You will need to first enroll in a driving academy and complete the series of lessons before you are able to take your practical test. You can search online for driving schools in your area or ask for suggestions. The course runs for a few weeks and is extremely affordable. In the course you will be taught how to drive a car and also be tested on the driving theory.
The final step to get the Polish driving license is to pass the state exam. It is administered at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is split into two parts: theory and practice. The theory part of the test is available in several languages, which makes it easier for non Polish natives to prepare. During the state exam practice you'll have to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge.
You will also be required to pass a course in first aid and an eye test. You may also need to pass written or oral tests depending on the type license you're seeking.
You must provide your birth certificate as well as evidence of identity when you apply for a Polish driving license. If you are not yet 18, you must have an official written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you are a non-native citizen, you must provide a photocopy of your visa or residence card along with a document confirming your legal stay in Poland like a certificate of studies or visa stamp.
You can apply for a Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office when you have completed all requirements and passed the exams. Bring your international driving license, if you have it along with the other documents mentioned above. After you have all the required documents the office will process them and issue your driving license in about two weeks. The license will be valid for 15 years for drivers under the age of 70, and three years for those who are over 70. A driving license will make it easier for you to explore Poland and all it has to offer.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively simple in Poland like they are in most European countries. Seatbelts are required and drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden and speed limits are enforced. However, specific requirements for foreign drivers need to be considered. For instance foreigners wishing to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical exam and then take a practical driving course.
The process isn't without difficulties, particularly for those who aren't fluent in Polish. But there are solutions such as driving courses offered by numerous language schools or private tutors that offer individualized instruction and help students prepare for the licensing exam. There are also many online resources to help students understand Polish road signs, driving etiquette and other aspects of driving.
Before applying for a license, a foreigner should ensure that they have all the necessary documents available. This includes an application form that is completed (which can be downloaded, but must be filled out in person in Polish, so Google Translate is your friend) and a medical certificate that states that the applicant is able to drive, and a current photo that is in compliance with size and format requirements.
Furthermore, if a candidate is planning to pursue a license under categories C or D, they need to be able to pass an oral and written test that is focused on the type of vehicle and safety regulations. To learn how to handle road accidents, the applicant must also complete a course on first aid.
For those who have an international driving permit or a foreign driving license, there's great news: they are able to use it in Poland for 185 days following the date they have legal residency. Beginning in June the policy will change. Drivers working for ridesharing services such as Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their driving licenses from abroad to a Polish license.
The new law was enacted to increase safety for passengers and prevent people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers that don't meet the requirements. But it has already been criticized by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will lead to longer waiting times and more expensive prices for drivers.