How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland are forced to switch their home country's driving license in order to obtain a Polish one. This is especially true for those who spend more than the 185-day limit as a legal 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 Exam
To get a driver's licence to drive in Poland is a daunting task, especially for expats. The procedure begins with a medical test to determine if you're physically fit to drive. Then you need to pass a written test to prove your understanding of Polish road rules and safety rules. You must also undergo a series of driving lessons with an instructor who is certified to prove that you can safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on your origin The process can take 6 months or even longer. If you're a resident of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving license will be accepted in Poland without the need to exchange it. Alternatively you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for citizens of countries that aren't part of the Vienna Convention.
Even if you are a citizen of one of these nations, you will still need to get a PKK and take a medical test. You will also be required to carry a translation of your driver's license into Polish as well as an original passport and proof of residency, or a valid visa.
After you've completed all steps, you will receive an appointment for your driving test at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The theoretical test will be performed on an automated device and will comprise multiple choice questions regarding traffic laws, road signs and safety rules. The practical test will be conducted by a licensed instructor and will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a car and change gears, driving around curves and parking.
At present, drivers employed by ridesharing firms like Uber or Bolt are not required to possess an Polish driving license, however as of June 2017 the law will change. The new laws will require drivers to have an official Polish license or face car insurance issues. Drivers from outside the Eurozone must also obtain a Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk having their license exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you have the driving license of an country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with a Polish licence after 185 legal days, if your residency is documented through an address registration for your local area (Zameldowanie) or a visa, residence card or any other document that confirms your right to remain. You will still have to pass the theoretical portion of the national test regardless of whether you have an international driving permit that is accompanied by a International Driving Permit.
The theory test is a multiple-part test comprised of a written section and a practice one. It is notoriously difficult even for Polish people, and a majority of them fail on their first or second try despite a lot of study. Many companies offer to assist you in preparing for the test. Beware of scams - they'll make you pay, but they will never offer you the necessary preparation.
Visit your nearest WORD location to arrange your theory test. At the time of registration, you will need a passport and your driver profile for candidates (PKK). The fee for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing führerschein polen kaufen , you need to sign up with your district authority (osdzie). Drogowy) to pass a practical exam. The process typically lasts a few weeks particularly in larger cities. You'll require your PKK passport, passport and a document that confirms that you are able to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
If the practical exam has been passed, you can obtain your driving license within some days. You'll need the exact documents that you used to get your PKK along with a proof of the driving school. Driving in Poland is an enjoyable experience but it's also a duty. If you want to drive safely, you must adhere to all the rules of the road - including wearing seat belts, observing speed limits and following traffic signals. You will be fined by the police if don't. This is why it is very important to master the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
Before you can pass the test you must be enrolled in driving school and complete several practical classes. You can search the internet for driving schools in your area, or ask friends for suggestions. The course lasts for a couple of weeks and is very affordable. In the lessons, you'll learn to drive a vehicle and will 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 exam has two parts: theory and practice. The theory portion is offered in several languages, making it easy for non-Polish speakers to prepare. In the state test practice you'll have to demonstrate your driving abilities and knowledge.
You will also need to complete a first aid course and take an eye test. You may be required to pass written or oral tests depending on the type license you're seeking.
When you apply for a Polish license, you must also submit an original birth certificate and evidence of your identity. If you are less than 18 years old, you'll need the written consent of your parent or legal guardian. If you are an international citizen, you will have to provide a photocopy of your residence card or visa and any document that demonstrates your legal stay in Poland.
After you have fulfilled all the requirements and passed all exams, you can apply for a Polish driving license at the local voivodeship office. Bring your international driving permit, if you have it along with the other documents mentioned above. Once you have all the required documents the office will process them and issue your driving permit within two weeks. The driving license is valid for 15-years for drivers who are younger than 70, and for three years for those older than 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 easy in Poland the same way as they are in most European countries. Seatbelts are compulsory and alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden and speed limits are enforced. There are a few conditions that must be fulfilled by foreign drivers. For instance, foreigners who want to get their driving license in Poland must take a medical exam and practical training before they can take the state examination.
It is not an easy process, especially for those with limited Polish proficiency. There are other options, such as driving classes offered by language schools or private tutors. These classes offer specific instruction that prepares students for the test. In addition, there are various online resources that will help a student to understand Polish road signs and driving manners.
A foreigner should have all the required documents prior to applying for a driver's license. This includes a completed application form (which can be downloaded but must be filled out by hand in Polish, so Google Translate is your friend) A medical certificate that states that the applicant is able to drive, as well as a current photograph that meets the requirements for size and format.
Additionally, if the candidate plans to pursue a license under categories C or D, they must also take an oral and a written test that is focused on the types of vehicles and safety regulations. To learn how to respond to road accidents, the applicant must also complete a course on first aid.
A good thing for those with an international driving permit, or foreign driving license: they can use it in Poland for up to 185 days after the date of their legal residence. In June the policy will change. Drivers who are employed by ride-sharing companies like Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their driving licenses from abroad for a Polish license.
The new rule was enacted to improve safety for passengers and to prevent the transportation of people on vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the requirements. However, it has been condemned by ridesharing companies as well as politicians who believe it will lead to longer wait times and higher prices for drivers.