How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who reside in Poland find themselves having to exchange their home country's driving license for a Polish one. This is particularly true for those who have been in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented by the registration of a local address or visa, or a residence permit).
To achieve this, they must pass a series of tests and exams. The most important ones are:
Medical Exam
It is difficult to obtain a driving permit in Poland especially for foreigners. The process begins with a medical exam to confirm that you are physically fit enough to drive. You must then pass a written exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish safety and road rules. You must also 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 are from, the process can take as little as 6 months, or a 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 the need to exchange it. Alternately, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for those from countries that are not part of the convention.
Even if you are a citizen of one of these countries, you will still need to get a PKK and pass a medical examination. fahrschule polen 'll also need to bring the translation of your driver's licence into Polish as well as a copy your passport, and an original visa or proof of residency.
Once you have completed all the steps, you will be given a date for your driving test at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test will be performed on an automated device and will consist of multiple choice questions on traffic laws such as road signs, safety rules. The test in practice will be administered by a licensed instructor. It will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a car and change gears, driving around curves and parking.
In June 2017, drivers who work for ride-sharing companies such as Uber or Bolt will be required to have a valid Polish driving license. New laws will require drivers to hold an official Polish driving license or face insurance issues. In addition, drivers who are outside of the Eurozone must obtain a Polish licence within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk exchanging their license.
Theory Exam
If you are a holder of the driving license of an country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with an Polish licence after 185 days, as long as your residency is documented by an address registration for your local area (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or any other document that confirms your right to remain. However, you will still have to pass the theoretical portion of the national test, unless your foreign licence is attached to an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multi-part test that consists of a written portion and a practical one. It is notoriously difficult even for the Polish people, and most of them fail on their first or second attempt even after a lot of studying. There are many firms that promise preparation for the test, but beware of their swindles - they may take your money and never provide the training you need.
Visit your nearest WORD office to plan your test. You'll need your passport and the candidate driver profile (PKK) when you register. The cost for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you need to register at your district authority (osdzie). (drogowy) (drogowy), for a practical test. This process usually lasts a few weeks particularly in cities with large populations. At this time you will require an PKK, a passport and a document confirming your right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
If the practical exam has been passed, you can obtain your driving license within some days. To do this you will need to bring the same documents you have used to register your PKK, plus a certificate from the driving school. Driving in Poland is full of fun, but it also comes with the responsibility. To drive safely, it is important to follow all road rules, including wearing your seat belt, paying attention to traffic signals, and obeying speed limits. You'll be fined by the police if you don't. This is why it is very important to learn Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
You will need to first enroll in an academy for driving and take an extensive series of practical classes before you can take your practical test. You can locate a driving school in your local area by searching on the internet or asking your friends for suggestions. The cost of the course is reasonable and takes a few weeks. During the lessons you will learn to drive a vehicle and will be tested in driving theory.
The state test that is the last step to obtain a Polish license, is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The test consists of two parts that are practice and theory. The theory portion is available in a variety of languages, making it easy for non-Polish speakers to prepare. In the state test practice you'll have to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge.
You will also need to complete a first aid course and take an eye test. You may need to pass written or oral tests, based on the type of license you're pursuing.
During the process of getting a Polish license you will also need to submit an original birth certificate as well as evidence of your identity. If you are younger than 18 years old, you must submit the written consent of your legal guardian or parent. If you are a non-native citizen, you must provide a photocopy of your residence card or visa and the document that confirms your legal residency in Poland, such as the certificate of studies or visa stamp.
Once you have met all of the requirements and passed all examinations, you are eligible to apply for an Polish driving license at your local voivodeship office. Bring your international driving permit If you have one along with the other documents mentioned above. After you've provided all the required documents, your driving permit will be issued within two weeks. The driving license will be valid for 15 years for drivers less than 70, and three years for those who are older than 70. Having a driving license will make it easier for you to move around Poland and explore all that it offers.
Registration
The rules of the road are easy in Poland the same way as they are in many European countries. Seatbelts are required and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are firmly enforced. However, certain specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be considered. For get more info wishing to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical test and then take a practical driving course.
It's not an easy task especially for those with limited Polish proficiency. However, there are solutions such as driving courses provided by a variety of language schools or private tutors, which provide individualized instruction and help students prepare for the licensing examination. There are many online resources to assist students in understanding Polish road signs, driving etiquette, and other aspects of driving.
Before submitting an application for a license, a foreigner should make sure they have all required documents on hand. This includes an application form that is completed (which can be downloaded but must be filled out in person in Polish, so Google Translate is your best friend), a medical certificate proving that the applicant is fit to drive, and one current photograph that is of the right dimensions and format requirements.
If a candidate wishes to get a license in categories C or D, they will also need to pass an oral and written test that covers the types of vehicles and safety regulations. Additionally, a first aid course must be attended to learn how to react to road accidents.
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 for up to 185 days after the date of legal residence. However, beginning in June this will change: drivers who work for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are now required by law to exchange their foreign license for one that is a Polish one.
The new rule was enacted to improve safety for passengers and stop the transportation of people on vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the standards. However, it has been criticized by ridesharing companies as well as politicians who believe it could lead to longer waiting times and higher prices for drivers.