How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland are required to exchange their home driving license in their country for one issued by Poland. This is particularly the case for people who spend 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 Examination
To get a driver's licence In Poland is a difficult task, particularly for foreigners. The procedure begins with a medical test to confirm that you are physically fit to drive. You will then have to take a written test to prove your understanding of Polish safety and road rules. You will also need to undergo a series of driving lessons with an instructor certified to demonstrate that you are able to safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you are from, the process could take 6 months or even longer. If you are a citizen of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving licence will be accepted in Poland without having to exchange it. Alternatively you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for citizens of countries that aren't part of the convention.
Even if you're an a resident of one of these countries, you will still need to obtain a PKK as well as take a medical test. You will also need to bring the translation of your driver's licence into Polish as well as a copy your passport and the valid visa or proof of residence.
After you have completed all steps, you will receive an appointment for your driving test at the local road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test will be conducted on an automated machine. It will comprise multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safety regulations. The test on the practical side is conducted by a licensed driver and requires you to demonstrate your ability to drive a car such as changing gears, driving around corners and parking.
Currently, drivers employed by ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are not required to have a Polish driving license. However, as of June 2017 the situation will change. The new laws will require drivers to possess a valid Polish license or else face issues with car insurance. Additionally, drivers from outside the Eurozone will require an Polish license within 180 days of arriving in Poland or risk exchanging their license.
Theory Exam
If you have the driving license of the country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention you can swap it out for an Polish licence after 185 legal days, provided your residency is documented through a local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or any other document that proves your right to remain. You will still need to pass the theory portion of the national test regardless of whether you have an international driving license which is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multi-part test consisting of a written section and a practice one. Even the Polish find it difficult and many fail on their first or second attempt despite studying hard. There are many firms that promise preparation for the test, but beware frauds by these companies - they might take your money and never provide the training you need.
To book your theory test, visit your nearest WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchudrogowego). During the registration you will require a passport as well as your candidate driver profile (PKK). A fee for the theoretical part of the exam is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory exam, you need to sign up at the district authority office (osdzie (drogowy), to take a test. In most cases, this process can take a week or two especially in the larger cities. You will require your PKK along with a passport and a document confirming that you are able to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie).
After the practical test has been completed, you will be able to get your driving licence in some days. You will need the same documents that you used to get your PKK and a certification from the driving school. Driving in Poland can be full of excitement, but also a great deal of responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must follow all the rules of the road - including wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits, and obeying traffic signals. deutsche fahrschule in polen will be fined by the police if don't. führerschein polen kaufen is why it is so important to master the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
You will need to first enroll in a driving academy and complete a series of practical lessons before you can sit for your practical test. You can locate a driving school in your area by searching online or asking around for recommendations. The course is affordable and lasts for a few weeks. During the lessons you will learn to drive and test your driving theory.
The state test, which is the final step to obtain an Polish license, is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The exam is divided into two parts of theory and practice. The theory portion is offered in several languages, making it easy for non-Polish-speaking candidates to prepare. When you take the state exam you'll have to demonstrate your driving skills and understanding.
You'll also need to complete a first aid and an eye exam. Based on the type of license you are seeking, you may need to take additional oral or written exams.
You must submit your birth certificate along with identification documents when applying for an Polish driving license. If you are not yet 18, you must have an official written consent from your legal guardian or parent. If you are an international citizen, you will have to provide a photocopy of your residence card or visa and any document that demonstrates your legal stay in Poland.
After you have completed all of the requirements and passed all of the exams, you can apply for the Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship office. Bring your international driving license If you have one along with the other documents mentioned above. After you have all the necessary documents the office will review them and issue your driver's license in about two weeks. The license will be valid for 15 years for drivers under the age of 70 and for three years for those who are older than 70. Having a driving license will make it easier to travel around Poland and discover all it offers.
Registration
The rules of the road are relatively easy in Poland the same way as they are in a majority of European countries. Seatbelts are required, alcohol consumption is prohibited and speed limits are rigorously enforced. There are certain requirements that must be met by foreign drivers. For instance, foreigners who wish to get their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical examination and take practical lessons.
The process is not without challenges, especially for those who aren't fluent in Polish. However, there are solutions such as driving courses offered by numerous private tutors or language schools that offer individualized instruction and help students prepare for the licensing test. There are numerous online resources that can help students understand Polish road signs, driving etiquette, and other aspects of driving.
Before applying for a driver's license the applicant must ensure they have all the necessary documents available. Google Translate can help you fill out the application form which is available for download, but must be completed by hand.
Furthermore, if a candidate plans to pursue a license under categories C or D, they must also be able to pass an oral and written test that is focused on the type of vehicle and safety regulations. Finally the first aid course must be taken to learn how to react 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 the date they have legal residency. Beginning in June, this will change. Drivers working for ride-sharing companies like Bolt or Uber are now required to swap their foreign driving license for a Polish license.
The new law was enacted to increase safety for passengers and to prevent passengers from being transported in vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the required requirements. However, it has been condemned by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will result in longer wait times and higher costs for drivers.