How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who live in Poland are forced to exchange their home country's driving license for one issued by Poland. This is especially applicable to those who have lived in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented with the registration of a local address, a visa or a residence permit).
To achieve this, they must to pass several tests and exams. The most important of these are:
Medical Examination
Getting a driver's license In Poland is a challenging task, particularly for those who are expats. The procedure begins with a medical test to confirm that you are physically fit for driving. You must then take a written test to prove your understanding of Polish safety and road regulations. You will also need to take a series of driving classes with a certified instructor to show that you are able to safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you're from, the process may take as little as 6 months, or one year or more. Luckily, if you are an EU citizen or from a country that is a party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license can be recognized in Poland without having to exchange it. Alternately you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for citizens of countries that aren't part of the Vienna Convention.
But, even if you are from one of these countries, you will need to obtain a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kilorowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and undergo an examination for medical reasons. in polen führerschein machen 'll also need to bring an official translation of your driver's licence into Polish, a copy of your passport and a valid visa or proof of residence.
After you have completed all the steps, you will be given an appointment date for your driving test at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The theoretical test will be taken on an automated machine and will consist of multiple choice questions on traffic laws, road signs and safety rules. The practical test will be administered by a certified instructor and will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a vehicle and change gears, maneuvering around curves and parking.
Drivers employed by ridesharing firms such as Uber or Bolt are not required to possess an Polish driving license. However, as of June 2017 the situation will change. The new laws will require that drivers have an active Polish license or face car insurance issues. Drivers who are not part of the Eurozone must also get a Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk having their license revoked.
Theory Exam
If you have a driving license issued in the country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for the Polish license after 185 days of legally residing and if your residence is confirmed by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or any other document that confirms your right to remain. However, you will still be required to pass the theory portion of the national examination regardless of whether your foreign license is attached to an International Driving Permit.
The test for theory is divided into two parts that are written and a practical portion. Even the Polish find it difficult and many fail on their first or second attempt despite a lot of study. Many companies will assist you in preparing for the test. Beware of scams - they'll make you pay, but they will never offer any help in preparation.
Visit your nearest WORD location to schedule your theory test. You'll require your passport as well as the candidate driver profile (PKK) during registration. A fee for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you must be registered with your district authority (osdzie). (drogowy) (drogowy), for a practical test. This process usually lasts a few weeks particularly in larger cities. You'll require your PKK along with a passport and a document confirming that you are able to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
If the practical exam has been passed, you can get your driving licence within some days. You'll need the same documents you used to obtain your PKK along with a proof of the driving school. Driving in Poland is a lot of fun but it's also a responsibilities. If you want to drive safely, you must obey all the rules of the road - this includes using seat belts, observing speed limits and obeying traffic signals. You will be fined by the police if don't. It is crucial to understand the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
You'll need to enroll at an accredited driving school and then complete the series of lessons before you can sit for your practical exam. You can search the internet for driving schools in your area or ask around for recommendations. The course is for a few weeks and is extremely affordable. During the lessons you will learn how to drive a car and test your driving theory.
The final step in obtaining an Polish driving license is to pass the state exam. This is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is split into two parts: theory and practice. The theory part of the exam is offered in several languages, making it easier for non Polish natives to prepare. In the practice portion of the state test, you must demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your skills and knowledge.
You'll also have to pass a first-aid course and take an eye test. Depending on the type of license you are seeking, you may need to pass additional written or oral examinations.
During the process of getting a Polish license, you must also submit a copy of your birth certificate and evidence of your identity. If you are under 18 years old, you must present written permission from your legal guardian or parent. If you are a foreign citizen, you need to submit an image of your residence card or visa along with a document confirming your legal residency in Poland like an official certificate of study or a visa stamp.
Once you have met all of the requirements and passed all of the examinations, you are eligible to apply for a Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship office. Bring your international driving permit If you have one along with the other documents listed above. After you've provided 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 has to offer.
Registration
The rules of the road are easy in Poland, as they are in most European countries. Seatbelts are mandatory, alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited and speed limits are enforced. However, führerschein kosten in polen for foreign drivers have to be considered. For instance, foreigners wanting to get a driver's license in Poland must undergo a medical examination and practical training before they can sit for the state test.
The process does not come without challenges, particularly for those who aren't fluent in Polish. There are other options, for instance, driving lessons provided by language schools or private tutors. These classes provide individual instruction to prepare students for the license exam. There are numerous online resources to aid students in understanding Polish road signs, driving etiquette, and other aspects of driving.
A foreign national should possess all the required documents required to apply for a driver's license. Google Translate can assist you to fill out the application form which is available for download but is required to be completed in person.
If the candidate wants to be licensed in categories C or D they must pass an oral and a written exam that covers the types of vehicles and safety regulations. Additionally, a first aid course must be attended to learn how to respond to accidents on the road.
If you have an international driving permit or foreign driving license, there's great news: they can continue to use it in Poland for 185 days after their date of legal residence. Starting in June the policy will change. Drivers who work for ride-sharing companies 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 improve passenger safety and to prevent people from being transported in vehicles driven by drivers who don't meet the standards. However, it has been criticized by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will result in longer waiting times and higher costs for drivers.