14 Questions You Shouldn't Be Uneasy To Ask Get A Driving License In Poland

How to Get a Driving License in Poland Many foreigners who live in Poland have to exchange their home driving license in their country for one issued by Poland. This is particularly the case for those who spend more than the 185-day limit as a legal resident (documented by local address registration or visa). To do that they need to pass several tests and exams. The most important of these are: Medical Exam It isn't easy to obtain a driving license in Poland particularly for foreigners. The process begins with a medical test to ensure you are physically fit to drive. Then you need to take a written exam to prove your understanding of Polish road rules and safety rules. You will also need to take a series driving lessons with an instructor certified to show that you are able to safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads. Based on the country of your birth The process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months or longer. Luckily, if you are an EU citizen or a country that is a party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license will be recognized in Poland without having to exchange it. Alternately, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is suggested for those who reside in countries that aren't part of the convention. However, even if you are from one of these countries, you will require a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kierowce – Driver Candidate Profile) and undergo a medical exam. You will also need to bring an official translation of your driver's license into Polish as well as a copy your passport, and an original visa or proof of residency. After you have completed the necessary 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 comprise multiple choice questions on traffic laws road signs, safety rules. The test on the practical side is conducted by a licensed driver. It requires you to demonstrate the ability to drive a car including changing gears, navigating corners and parking. As of June 2017, drivers who work for ride-sharing companies such as Uber or Bolt will be required to hold a valid Polish driving license. New laws will force drivers to hold an official Polish driving license or face insurance problems. Drivers from outside the Eurozone must also get an Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk having their license exchanged. Theory Exam If you have a driving licence issued in a country that is a party to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for an Polish licence after 185 days of legal residency, provided that your residency is documented by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or any other document that confirms your right to remain. You must still pass the theoretical portion of the national exam regardless of whether you have a foreign driving license which 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 the Polish people, and most of people fail on the first or second attempt, despite much studying. Many companies will assist you in preparing for the test. Beware of scams – they will take your money, but not provide you with the practice. Visit your nearest WORD to schedule your theory test. At the time of registration, you will need a passport and your candidate driver profile (PKK). The fee for the theoretical portion of the exam is 30 PLN. After passing the theory exam After passing the theory exam, you must register at the district authority office (osdzie (drogowy) (drogowy), to take a test. The process usually takes a week or two especially in the larger cities. You will need your PKK along with a passport and a document that proves you have the right to remain in Poland (Zameldowanie). If you pass the practical test, you'll receive your driving license within a few days. To obtain your licence, you'll need to present the same documents you did for the registration of your PKK, plus a certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland is an enjoyable experience however, it's also a responsibility. If you want to drive safely, you must obey all the rules of the road. including wearing seat belts, adhering to speed limits and following traffic signals. You could be penalized by the police if don't. This is why it is very important to master the Polish driving etiquette. Practical Exam Before you can take the test you must be enrolled in driving school and complete a number of practical lessons. You can find a driving school in your area by searching online or asking around for suggestions. The course is inexpensive and takes a few weeks. In the course you will learn to drive a car and be tested on the theory of driving. The state exam which is the final step to obtain 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 portion is offered in a variety of languages, making it easy 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 demonstrating your skills and understanding. You'll also have to complete a first aid course and take an eye test. You may need to pass written or oral tests depending on the type license you're seeking. You must provide your birth certificate and identification documents when applying for an Polish driving license. If you are not yet 18 years old, you need to have written permission from your legal guardian or parent. If you are a foreign citizen, you must submit an image of your residence card or visa along with an official document that proves your legal residence in Poland like the certificate of studies or visa stamp. Once you have met all the requirements and passed all of the examinations, you are eligible to apply for an Polish driving license at your local voivodeship office. Bring your international driving license, if you have it, and the other documents mentioned above. After you've submitted all required documents, your driving licence will be issued in two weeks. The license will be valid for 15 years for those less than 70, and three years for those who are older than 70. A driving license will make it easier to explore Poland and everything it has to offer. Fuehrerscheinn of the road are relatively easy in Poland, as they are in many European countries. Seatbelts are mandatory and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited, and speed limits are enforced. There are a few conditions that must be fulfilled by foreign drivers. For instance foreigners wishing to get their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical test and take practical lessons. It's not an easy task particularly for those who have limited Polish proficiency. But there are solutions such as driving classes offered by numerous language schools or private tutors, which provide individualized instruction and help students prepare for the licensing exam. There are many online resources to help students understand Polish road signs, driving etiquette, and other aspects of driving. Before applying for a license an applicant from another country should ensure that they have all the necessary documents in their possession. This includes the completed application form (which can be downloaded, but must be filled out by hand in Polish and Polish, so Google Translate is your best friend) and a medical certificate that states that the applicant is fit to drive, and one current photo that is in compliance with the requirements for size and format. If a candidate wishes to obtain a license for categories C or D they must pass an oral and a written test that covers the types of vehicles and safety regulations. Finally, a first aid course must be attended to learn how to react to road accidents. If you have an international driving permit or a foreign driving license, there's great news: they can continue to use it in Poland for 185 days from their date of legal residency. However, beginning in June this will change: drivers working for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are now required by law to exchange their foreign license to one in the Polish one. The new requirement was implemented to enhance safety of passengers and to prevent people from being transported in vehicles driven by drivers that don't meet the requirements. But it has already been condemned by ridesharing companies as well as politicians who believe it will result in longer waiting times and more expensive costs for drivers.