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 one in the 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 do this, they must pass a string of tests and examinations. The most important ones are:
Medical Examination
It isn't easy to obtain a driving permit in Poland particularly for foreigners. The process begins with a medical examination to ensure that you are physically fit to drive. You will then have to take a written test to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish safety and road rules. You will also need to take a series of driving classes with an instructor who is certified to show that you can safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on in polen führerschein machen can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months or longer. If you are a citizen of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your driver's license from your country will be accepted in Poland without having to exchange it. Alternatively an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for those who reside in countries that are not part of the convention.
But, even if you are from one of these countries, you'll require a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kilorowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and undergo a medical exam. You will also need to bring an official translation of your driver's license into Polish, a copy of your passport, and a valid visa or proof of residency.
Once you've completed all steps, you will be given a date for your driving test at the local road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test is taken on an automated machine and will consist of multiple choice questions regarding traffic laws, road signs and safety rules. The test in practice will be administered by a licensed instructor and will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a car and change gears, navigating curves and parking.
Currently, drivers employed by ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are not required to have a Polish driving license. However, in June 2017 the situation will change. New laws will require that drivers possess an active Polish license or face car insurance issues. Additionally, drivers from outside the Eurozone must obtain a Polish license within the 185-day period after settling in Poland or risk exchanging their license.
Theory Exam
If you have a driving licence issued by an country that is a signatory of the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with a Polish licence after 185 days, if your residency is confirmed by a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa, or any other document that proves your right to remain. However, you will still have to pass the theoretical portion of the national examination regardless of whether your foreign license is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multi-part test consisting of a written portion and a practical part. It is notoriously difficult, even for the Polish people, and most of people fail on their first or second attempt despite a lot of study. There are several firms that promise preparation for the test, but beware their swindles - they may be able to take your money and not give you the preparations.
Visit your nearest WORD office to arrange your theory test. During the registration you will require a passport as well as your driver profile for candidates (PKK). The cost for the part that is theoretical is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you need to sign up with your district authority (osdzie). Drogowy) to pass a practical exam. This process usually takes about a week, particularly in cities with large populations. At this point, you'll need a PKK as well as a passport and a proof of your right to reside in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
After the practical test has been completed, you will be able to get your driving licence within a few days. To obtain your licence, you'll need to bring the same documents you have used to register your PKK along with a valid certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland is a lot of fun but it's also a responsibilities. To drive safely motorradführerschein polen is crucial to adhere to all traffic rules, which includes wearing the seat belt, obeying traffic signals and observing speed limits. If you do not you will be penalized by the police. This is why it is very important to master the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
You must first enroll in an academy for driving and take the series of lessons before you can take your test. You can find a driving school in your local area by searching on the internet or asking around for recommendations. The course is affordable and lasts a few weeks. In the lessons, you'll learn to drive and will be tested in driving theory.
The state exam, which is the final step in obtaining the 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 exam is available in a variety of languages, which makes it easier for non Polish natives to prepare. During the practice part of the state exam you will be required to demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your abilities and knowledge.
You will also be required to take a course in first aid and eye examination. You may be required to pass oral or written tests based on the type of license you're pursuing.
In order to obtain a Polish license you will also need to submit an original birth certificate as well as identification proof. If you are younger than 18 years old, you must present a written consent from your legal guardian or parent. If you are a non-native citizen, you need to submit the photocopy of your visa or residence card as well as the document that confirms your legal residence in Poland, such as a certificate of studies or visa stamp.
After you have completed all of the requirements and passed all tests, you can apply for the Polish driving license at the local voivodeship office. Make sure you bring your international driving permit, if you have one, as well as all of the documents listed above. Once you've submitted all the required documents, your driving permit will be issued within two weeks. The license is valid for 15-years for drivers younger than 70 and for three years for those who are older than 70. A driving license makes it easier to explore Poland and everything it offers.
Registration
As with most countries in Europe, the rules of the roads in Poland are generally clear. Seatbelts are mandatory, alcohol consumption is prohibited and speed limits are strictly enforced. However, some specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be taken into consideration. For example foreigners wishing to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical examination and then take a practical driving course.
The process is not without challenges, especially for those who aren't fluent in Polish. But there are solutions, such as driving courses offered by numerous private tutors or language schools, which provide individualized instruction and prepare students for the licensing exam. There are numerous online resources that can assist students in understanding Polish road signs, driving etiquette and other aspects of driving.
A foreign national should have all of the necessary documents before applying for a driver's license. This includes the completed application form (which is available for download but must be completed by hand in Polish which means that Google Translate is your best option) and a medical certificate that states that the applicant is fit to drive, and one current photo that is in compliance with size and format requirements.
In addition, if the applicant intends to pursue a license in categories C or D, they must also be able to pass an oral and written test that is focused on the types of vehicles and safety regulations. Finally the first aid course is required to learn how to respond to accidents on the road.
If you have an international driving permit or foreign driving license, there's some good news: they are able to use it in Poland for 185 days from their date of legal residency. Starting in June the rules will change. Drivers working for ridesharing services like Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their foreign driving license for a Polish license.
The new rule was put in place to increase safety for passengers and prevent people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers who don't meet the requirements. motorradführerschein polen has been criticized already by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will lead to longer waiting periods for drivers and higher prices.