How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who live in Poland are required to exchange their home driving license in their country for one issued by Poland. This is particularly applicable to those who have been in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented with the registration of a local address or visa or residence permit).
To accomplish this, they have to pass several tests and tests. The most important are:
Medical Exam
To get a driver's licence to drive in Poland is a difficult task, particularly for foreigners. The process begins with a medical examination to determine if you are physically fit enough to drive. The next step is to take a written test to prove your knowledge of Polish safety and road regulations. You will also need to undergo a series of driving lessons with an instructor certified to prove that you can safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you're from, the process can take as little as 6 months, or one year or more. If you're a resident 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 needing to exchange it. Alternatively an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a must for those who reside in countries that aren't a part of the convention.
But, even if you are from one of these countries, you'll require a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kierowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and take an examination for medical reasons. You'll also need to bring a translation of your driver's licence into Polish, as well as a copy your passport and proof of residence or an official visa.
After you have completed the necessary steps, you will be given a driving test time 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 on traffic laws, road signs and safety regulations. The test in practice is administered by a licensed driver. It requires you to demonstrate the ability to drive a vehicle including changing gears, navigating corners and parking.
Drivers employed by ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are not required to possess a Polish driving license. However, in June 2017 the law will change. New laws will require that drivers have an official Polish license or else face issues with car insurance. Drivers who reside outside of the Eurozone must also obtain an Polish license within 185 days of arriving in Poland or risk having their licenses exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you hold a driving licence issued by a country which is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with the Polish license after 185 legal days, if 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'll have 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 test is a multiple-part test comprised of a written portion and a practical part. It is notoriously difficult even for Polish people, and most of them fail on their first or second try even after a lot of studying. There are many companies that offer preparation for the test, but beware scams - they could take your money and never provide the training you need.
To schedule your theory exam to take it, go to your nearest WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchudrogowego). During the registration you will require a passport as well as your candidate driver profile (PKK). The cost for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test You must then sign up at your district authority office (osdzie drogowy) to pass a practical exam. In most cases, this process takes a week or two particularly in large cities. At this point, you'll need an PKK as well as a passport and a proof of your right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
Once the practical exam is passed, you can obtain your driving license within some days. You'll need the exact documents you used to get your PKK along with a proof of the driving school. Driving in Poland is full of fun, but also the responsibility. If you want to drive safely, you must follow all the rules of the road - this includes using seat belts, observing speed limits and following traffic lights. You could be fined by the police if do not. This is why it is important to master the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
You will need to first enroll in an academy for driving and take a series of practical lessons before you are able to take your practical exam. You can locate a driving school in your location by searching online or asking around for suggestions. motorrad führerschein in polen machen is affordable and takes a few weeks. In the course, you will learn how to drive a car and test your driving theory.
The state test that is the last step to obtain an Polish license, is held 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 many languages, making it easier for non-Polish speakers to study. During the practice part of the state examination you must demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your abilities and understanding.
You'll also need to complete a first aid course and pass an eye test. Based on the type of license you are planning to pursue, you might need to take additional oral or written exams.
You must submit your birth certificate and evidence of identity when applying for an Polish driving license. If you are not yet 18 years old, you need to have a written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you are an international citizen, you will need to submit a photocopy your visa or residence card and any other document that proves your legal residency in Poland.
After you have completed all the requirements and passed all examinations, you are eligible to apply for the Polish driving license at the local voivodeship office. Bring your international driving permit If you have one, and 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 license will be valid for 15 years for drivers under the age of 70 and for three years for those over 70. The possession of a driving permit will make it much easier for you to get around Poland and discover all it has to offer.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively easy in Poland like they are in many European countries. Seatbelts are required and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are rigorously enforced. However, certain specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be taken into consideration. For instance, foreigners wishing to get their driving license in Poland must undergo a medical examination and practical training before they can sit for the state examination.
The process isn't without challenges, particularly for those who aren't fluent in Polish. But there are solutions, such as driving courses provided by a variety of private tutors or language schools that offer individualized instruction and prepare students for the licensing examination. In addition, there are various online resources that will help students to comprehend Polish road signs and driving manners.
Before applying for a driver's license, a foreigner should ensure they have all the necessary documents in their possession. This includes a completed application form (which can be downloaded, but must be completed by hand in Polish and Polish, so Google Translate is your best option), a medical certificate proving that the applicant is fit to drive, as well as a current photo that is in compliance with size and format requirements.
If the applicant wants to get a license in categories C or D, they must also pass an oral and written test that covers vehicle types and safety regulations. Finally the first aid course must be taken to learn how to react to accidents on the road.
There's good news for those who have an international driving permit or foreign driving license that they are able to use it in Poland up to 185 days after their date of legal residence. Starting in June the policy will change. Drivers who work for ridesharing services like Bolt or Uber are now required to swap their foreign driving license to the Polish license.
The new rule was put in place to improve passenger safety and prevent people from being transported in vehicles driven by drivers that don't meet the requirements. But it has already been criticized by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it could lead to longer waiting times and higher costs for drivers.