How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland find themselves having to exchange their home country's driving license to a Polish one. This is especially true for 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 tests and examinations. The most important are:
Medical Examination
To get a driver's licence in Poland is a difficult job, especially for expats. The process begins with a medical examination to ensure that you are physically fit to drive. You must then pass a written test to prove your knowledge of Polish safety and road regulations. Finally, you will need to pass a series of driving lessons in a practical manner with a certified instructor in order to prove that you can safely operate an automobile on Polish roads.
Based on the country of your birth The process can take 6 months or even longer. If you're an EU citizen or from a country that is party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license will be recognized in Poland without the need to exchange it. In addition you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) is suggested for those from countries that are not part of the convention.
However, even if you are from one of these countries, you will need to obtain a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kierowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and undergo an exam for medical conditions. You'll also need to bring a translated version of your driver's licence into Polish, as well as an original passport and proof of residency, or a valid visa.
Once you have completed the required steps, you will be given a driving test date at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test will be taken on an automated machine and will consist of multiple choice questions regarding traffic laws 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 car, including changing gears, driving around curves and parking.
As of June 2017, drivers who work for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt will be required to hold a valid Polish driving license. New laws will require drivers to possess an active Polish driving license or face insurance problems. Additionally, drivers from outside the Eurozone must obtain a Polish license within 180 days of arriving in Poland, or face exchanging their license.
Theory Exam
If you are a holder of the driving license of the country that is a signatory of the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with the Polish license after 185 legal days, as long as your residency is confirmed by the registration of your address in Poland (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or any other document that proves your right to remain. However, you will still need to pass the theoretical portion of the national examination in the event that your foreign license is attached to an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multiple-part test comprised of a written part and a practice one. Even the Polish struggle with it and many fail their first or second attempts even though they have studied hard. Many companies offer to assist you in preparing for the test. Beware of scams - they will take your money, but not offer you the necessary practice.
To schedule your theory test to take it, go to your local WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). You will require your passport as well as the candidate driver profile (PKK) at the time of registration. The fee for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you must register at your district authority (osdzie). Drogowy) to pass a practical exam. The process usually takes about a week, particularly in larger cities. You'll require your PKK, passport and document that proves you are able to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
If you pass the practical test, you'll receive your driving license within few days. To get your license, you'll have to bring the same documents you used to register your PKK along with a valid certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. To ensure safety on the road it is crucial to adhere to all traffic rules, which includes wearing your seat belt, paying attention to traffic signals, and adhering to speed limits. If you do not you will be penalized by the police. This is why it is very important to learn the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
Before you can take the practical exam you must be enrolled in a driving school and pass several practical classes. You can look online for driving schools in your area, or ask friends for suggestions. The course runs for a couple of weeks and is extremely affordable. In the lessons, you'll learn to drive a vehicle and be tested in driving theory.
The state exam, which is the final step in obtaining a Polish license, is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The test consists of two parts: theory and practice. The theory portion is available in a variety of languages, making it simpler for non-Polish speakers to prepare. During the practice part of the state examination you must demonstrate your ability to drive by showing your abilities and understanding.
polnischer führerschein kaufen 'll also have to complete a first aid course and have an eye test. You may be required to pass written or oral tests based on the type of license you're looking to obtain.
During the process of getting a Polish license You must also provide a copy of your birth certificate and identification proof. If you are under 18, you must have an official written consent from your legal guardian or parent. If you are a non-native citizen, you need to submit a photocopy of your residence card or visa along with the document that confirms your legal residence in Poland, such as a certificate of studies or visa stamp.
You can apply for your Polish driving licence at the local Voivodeship Office when you have met all the requirements and passed the exams. Bring your international driving license, if you have it as well as the other documents listed above. Once you've submitted all the required documents, your driving permit will be issued in two weeks. The driving license is valid for 15-years for drivers younger than 70 and three years for those who are older than 70. The possession of a driving permit will make it much easier to travel around Poland and explore everything Poland offers.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively straightforward in Poland, as they are in many European countries. Seatbelts are mandatory, alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited and speed limits are 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 take practical classes before they can sit for the state exam.
The process does not come without challenges, particularly for those who don't speak in Polish. But there are solutions, such as driving courses offered by various private tutors or language schools that offer individualized instruction and prepare students for the licensing test. In addition there are a variety of online resources that can help students understand Polish road signs and driving behavior.
A foreign national should have all the required documents before applying for an driver's license. This includes an application form that is completed (which can be downloaded, but must be filled out in person in Polish and Polish, so Google Translate is your friend) and a medical certificate proving that the applicant is able to drive, and a current photograph that is of the right dimensions and format requirements.
If the candidate wants to obtain a license for categories C or D they will also need to pass an oral and a written exam that covers the types of vehicles and safety regulations. To learn how to handle road accidents, the applicant must also take a class on first aid.
If you're a holder of an international driving permit or foreign driving license, there's some good news: they'll be able to use it in Poland for 185 days after their date of legal residency. Beginning in June, this 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 rule was put in place to improve passenger safety and prevent people from being transported in vehicles driven by drivers who don't meet the standards. It has already been criticized by riders and politicians who believe it will cause longer wait times for drivers as well as higher prices.