How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland are forced to exchange their home driving license to one issued by Poland. This is especially true for those who have spent more than the 185-day limit as a legal resident (documented by local address registration or visa).
To achieve this, they must pass a series tests and examinations. The most important are:
Medical Exam
Getting a driver's license in Poland is a challenging task, especially for expats. The procedure begins with a medical test to determine if you're physically fit to drive. You will then have to pass a written exam to prove your understanding of Polish safety and road rules. Finally, you will need to pass a series of driving classes with a certified instructor to prove that you can safely operate the vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on the country you're from, the process can take as little as 6 months, or a year or more. If you are a citizen of the EU or a member of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving licence will be accepted in Poland without having to exchange it. For those who are citizens of countries that are not included in the Vienna Convention or the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Even if Suggested Site 're a citizen of one of these nations, you'll still need to obtain a PKK and take a medical test. You'll also need to bring a translated version of your driver's licence in Polish, as well as a copy your passport and proof of residency, or a valid visa.
Once you have completed all steps, you will be given an appointment for your driving test at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test will be taken on an automated machine and will comprise multiple-choice questions about traffic laws road signs, safety rules. The test in practice will be administered by a certified instructor and will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a car, including changing gears, maneuvering around curves and parking.
Currently, drivers employed by ridesharing firms such as Uber or Bolt are not required to possess a Polish driving license, however as of June 2017 the law will change. New laws will require drivers to possess an active Polish driving license or face insurance issues. Drivers who are not part of the Eurozone must also get a Polish license within 185 days of arriving in Poland or risk having their license revoked.
Theory Exam
If you have the driving license of an country that is a signatory of the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with an Polish license after 185 legal days, if your residency is documented through an address registration for your local area (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or any other document that proves your right to remain. However, you'll be required to pass the theory part of the national exam regardless of whether your foreign license is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is split into two parts that are written and a practical portion. Even the Polish aren't able to pass it, and many fail their first or second attempts even though they have studied hard. There are several companies offering to help you prepare for the exam, but beware of their swindles - they may make you pay and then not provide you with the necessary preparations.
Visit your nearest WORD location to schedule your theory test. You'll require your passport as well as the candidate driver profile (PKK) when you register. The fee for the theoretical part of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you need to sign up with your district authority (osdzie). (drogowy) (drogowy) to take a test. The process usually takes about a week, particularly in larger cities. In this stage, you'll need an PKK, a passport and a document confirming your right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
After passing the practical test, you will receive your driving license within a few days. To obtain your licence, you'll need to bring the same documents you used to register your PKK and a proof of passing from the driving school. Driving in Poland is very enjoyable but it's also a responsibilities. To drive safely, it is important to follow all road rules, including wearing the seat belt, obeying traffic signals, and adhering to speed limits. You'll be penalized by the police if do not. This is why it is very important to master the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
Before you can sit for the practical test, you have to enroll in a driving school and pass several practical classes. You can locate a driving school in your area by searching online or asking your friends for recommendations. The course runs for a couple of weeks and is very affordable. In the lessons you will be taught how to drive a car and also be tested on the driving theory.
The final step to get an Polish driving license is passing the state exam. This is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is divided into two parts: the theory, and practice. The theory portion is offered in many languages, making it easy for non-Polish-speaking candidates to prepare. In the state test practice, you will need to demonstrate your driving skills and understanding.
You will also be required to complete a first aid and an eye test. You may also need to pass written or oral tests, based on the type of license you're looking to obtain.
You must provide your birth certificate as well as identification documents when you apply for an Polish driving license. If you are not yet 18 years old, you need to have a written consent from your legal guardian or parent. If you are a foreign citizen, you must provide the photocopy of your residence card or visa as well as the document that confirms your legal residency in Poland, such as a certificate of studies or a visa stamp.
You can apply for a Polish driving licence at the local Voivodeship Office once you have fulfilled all requirements and passed the examinations. Be sure to bring your international driving permit if you have one, and all of the documents listed above. Once you have all of the necessary documents the office will process them and issue your driving license in about two weeks. The driving license will be valid for 15 years for drivers under the age of 70, and three years for those over 70. A driving license makes it easier for you to explore Poland and everything it has to offer.
Registration
Like most countries in Europe the rules of the roads in Poland are generally simple. Seatbelts are compulsory and drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden and speed limits are enforced. There are some conditions that must be fulfilled by foreign drivers. For instance, foreigners wishing to get a driver's license in Poland must take a medical exam and take practical classes before they can sit for the state test.
It's not an easy process, especially for those who have limited Polish proficiency. There are other options, such as driving classes offered by language schools or private tutors. These courses provide specific instruction that prepares students for the licensing exam. There are also many online resources to help students understand Polish road signs, driving etiquette and other aspects of driving.
A foreign national should possess all the required documents prior to applying for an driver's license. This includes a completed application form (which is available for download but must be filled out by hand in Polish and Polish, so Google Translate is your best friend) A medical certificate that states that the applicant is healthy enough to drive, as well as a current photograph that meets the requirements for size and format.
If the applicant wants to obtain a license for categories C or D they must also pass an oral and written test that covers vehicle types and safety regulations. To learn how to respond to road accidents, the driver must also attend a course on first aid.
There's good news for those who have an international driving permit, or foreign driving licence that they are able to use it in Poland up to 185 days after the date of their legal residence. However, from June, this will change. drivers working for ridesharing firms such as Uber or Bolt are legally required to exchange their foreign license to one that is a Polish one.
The new requirement was introduced to improve safety for passengers and stop the transportation of people on vehicles driven by drivers who don't meet the standards. The new requirement has already been criticized by riders and politicians who believe it will lead to longer waiting times for drivers and more expensive prices.