14 Questions You're Refused To Ask Get A Driving License In Poland
How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who live in Poland find themselves having to change their home country driving license to an Polish one. This is especially relevant for those who have lived in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented by a local address registration, a visa or a residence permit).
To achieve this, they must to pass several tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Examination
It isn't easy to obtain a driving license in Poland, especially for foreigners. The procedure begins with a medical test to determine if you're physically fit enough to drive. The next step is to pass a written test to prove your knowledge of Polish safety and road rules. You must also undergo a series of driving lessons with an instructor certified to prove that you are able to safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on the country you're from, the process may take up to 6 months or up to a year or more. Luckily, if you are an EU citizen or a country that is party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license will be recognized in Poland without the need to exchange it. For citizens of countries that aren't included in the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
However, even if are from one of these countries, you will need to obtain a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kilorowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and take an exam for medical conditions. You must also bring an official translation of your driver's license in Polish, a copy of your passport, as well as a valid visa or proof of residence.
Once you have completed all steps, you will be given an appointment date for your driving test at the local road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test is performed on an automated device and will comprise multiple choice questions regarding traffic laws road signs, safety rules. The test in practice is conducted by a certified driver. It requires you to demonstrate the ability to drive a car including changing gears, maneuvering corners and parking.
At present, drivers working for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are not required to possess a Polish driving license, but in June 2017, this will change. New laws will require that drivers possess an active Polish license, or else face issues with car insurance. In addition, drivers from outside the Eurozone must obtain an Polish licence within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk losing their license.
Theory Exam
If you own a driver's license issued in the country that is a member to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for a Polish license after 185 days of legal residency and if your residence is proven by a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or another document that confirms your right to stay. However, you will still need to pass the theoretical portion of the national test in the event that your foreign license is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The test for theory is divided into two parts: a written and a practical part. It is notoriously difficult, even for the Polish people, and most of them fail on their first or second attempt despite a lot of study. There are a variety of companies offering to help you prepare for the test, but beware of frauds by these companies - they might take your money and never give you the preparations.
Visit your nearest WORD to arrange your theory test. At the time of registration, you will need a passport and your candidate driver profile (PKK). fahrschule polen for the theoretical portion of the exam is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you will need to be registered with your district authority (osdzie). (drogowy) (drogowy) to take a test. The process usually will take about a week particularly in large cities. At this point, you'll need an PKK as well as a passport and a proof of your right to remain in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
If the practical exam has been completed, you will be able to get your driving licence within some days. To obtain your licence, you'll need to bring 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 responsibilities. If you want to drive safely, you must obey all the rules of the road - including wearing seat belts, adhering to speed limits and obeying traffic signals. You'll be penalized by the police if you do not. This is why it is very important to master the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
Before you can take the practical test you must enroll in a driving school and pass some practical lessons. You can find a driving school in your area by searching online or asking your friends for suggestions. The course is affordable and lasts for a few weeks. In the lessons, you will learn how to drive a car and be tested on the driving theory.
The state test that is the last step to obtain an Polish license, is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The exam has two parts that are practice and theory. The theory part of the test is available in several languages, which makes it easier for non Polish natives 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 will also be required to pass a course in first aid and an eye test. You may need to pass oral or written tests, based on the type of license you're looking to obtain.
When you apply for a Polish license you will also need to submit a copy of your birth certificate as well as proof of identity. If you are less than 18 years old, you must submit a written consent of your legal guardian or parent. If you are a foreign citizen, you must submit a photocopy of your residence card or visa and the document that confirms your legal residence in Poland for example, an official certificate of study or a visa stamp.
You can apply for a Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office when you have fulfilled all requirements and passed the examinations. Make sure you bring your international driving license if you have one, along with all the required documents listed above. After you've provided all the required documents, your driving license will be issued in two weeks. The license will be valid for 15 years for drivers who are younger than 70 and for three years for those who are older than 70. A driving permit will make it easier for you to explore Poland and everything it has to offer.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively straightforward in Poland like they are in most European countries. Seatbelts are compulsory and drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden and speed limits are enforced. However, specific requirements for foreign drivers need to be taken into account. For instance, foreigners who want to obtain a driving license in Poland must undergo a medical examination and take practical classes before they can sit for the state examination.
It is not an easy task particularly for those with limited Polish proficiency. There are other options, such as driving classes provided by language schools or private tutors. These classes provide individual instruction to prepare students for the test. In addition there are a variety of online resources that can help students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
A foreign national should have all of the necessary documents before applying for the driver's license. This includes an application form that is completed (which is available for download but must be filled out in person in Polish which means that Google Translate is your best friend) and a medical certificate proving that the applicant is fit to drive, and a current photo that is in compliance with size and format requirements.
If the applicant wants to be licensed in categories C or D, they will also need to pass an oral and written test that covers the types of vehicles and safety regulations. To learn how to handle road accidents, the candidate 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 up to 185 days after the date of their legal residence. However, beginning in June this will change: drivers working for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are legally required to exchange their foreign license for one that is a Polish one.
The new rule was put in place to increase safety for passengers and to prevent people from being transported by 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 could lead to longer wait times and higher prices for drivers.