How to Get a Driving License in Poland
If you are an EU citizen and have a foreign driving license, it permits you to drive in Poland. After six months, you'll have to exchange your foreign driving license for a Polish one.
You'll need to fulfill four conditions. You'll first need to pass a physical exam.
Requirements
Anyone who intends to drive on Polish roads will require a driver's licence. It is particularly important for foreign residents who didn't have an Polish driving licence or whose license is not nationally recognised by Polish law.
If you're from one of the countries that is signatory to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic Your driving license from your home country is valid in Poland (for up to 180 days). However, if you want to drive on Polish roads for longer than that, it's necessary to obtain a local permit by exchanging your passport in exchange for the Polish licence.
You must fulfill certain requirements to do so. This includes attending classes and passing exams. The typical course spans 2 weeks to 3 months. The course consists of both theoretical and practical training. The theory test is an online test of road rules and safety, and the practice portion involves the ability to drive on actual roads with an examiner.
Medical tests are also a requirement and you'll have to undergo an eye test to make sure your vision is up to standard. In some cases you may require oral and written tests focusing on specific vehicle types. You'll also need to complete the first-aid training course and prove that you are able to respond in an emergency while driving.
All of the above is usually handled at the provincial road traffic centre where you applied for your driver's licence. The process is relatively quick, as the office usually has a translator on hand and many staff members are fluent in English. However, if the language barrier is truly difficult to overcome, you may request a sworn interpreter for your state examination and other related procedures. The sworn interpreter will cost additional money, but it's often quicker than trying to communicate with Polish officials in your native language. The final step is to submit all your completed documents and then wait for the results. It could take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the workload of the voivodeship road and transport authority.
Medical tests
To obtain a driver's licence getting a driver's license in Poland is a major step, particularly for foreigners. The process is long expensive, time-consuming, and difficult. It is important that you be aware of the requirements prior to beginning. The requirements include age, a medical exam and a theoretical test. It is also recommended to sign up in a driving school to take practical driving lessons.
Before you can take the driving test, you must pass a medical test. This test is to ensure that you are physically fit to drive, and not at risk for serious injury. The exam must take place in a facility for diagnostics that has specialized equipment and qualified doctors. The test could require blood and urine samples.
You must also take a test in theory to obtain your driving licence. The theory test is offered in multiple languages, making it easier for non-Polish speakers to pass. However, you'll require to comprehend Polish road signs and indicators on the dashboard. The test is not easy, and a lot of people fail it on the first or second try.
The practical test is the last requirement to get your Polish driving licence. This test tests your ability to drive an automobile in various traffic situations. This test also tests your knowledge about Polish road rules and regulations. This test is difficult, and even locals fail it on the first or second attempts.
If you are a citizen of a country which has signed the Convention on Road Traffic, you can use your native driver's license for 180 days following your arrival in Poland. After 180 days, you will be required to exchange your license to one that is a Polish one.
You'll need to submit the passport as a duplicate as well as a visa or residence permit to prove that your stay in Poland is at a minimum of six months. Read This method 'll also require an international driving license which you can purchase online or in a postoffice. The international driving permit can translate your driver's license from your country into a variety of languages, which is useful when renting a car or communicating with the police.
Theory test
You'll first need to take the theory test at one of Poland’s Wojewodzki osrodek rutu drogowego (provincial roads traffic centers). These locations are well-equipped for foreigners since they have versions in English. However, it's always important to call ahead to verify availability.
You'll need to take some driving lessons in the form of practical, in addition to the theory exam. The amount of time you need to spend depends on your experience and the type of license you're pursuing.
After passing the theory test You'll need to sign up for the state test at your province's WORD. You can register on the internet or at the center. You'll need to bring the same documents as you did for the PKK test, along with your driving school's certificate. If you don't speak Polish well, you may need to bring an interpreter in case you're not fluent.
If you're from a country that is part of the EU/EFTA, you are able to drive for up to 6 months with your driving license without needing to change it to one Polish one. However, if you want to drive in Poland beyond this time frame you'll need to pass the state exam.
The state test is divided into two parts: the theory and the practice portion. For the theory part you'll be required to answer 32 questions (theoretical) each one of which will earn you various points. You'll need to score at least 68 out of 74 points to pass the test. You'll be able to expect to see a number of multiple-choice questions, as well as written-out, more specific answers. The exam lasts 30 to 45 minutes, and you'll need to pay 50 PLN for the registration fee. Then, you'll have to wait until the results are published on a public site. In some instances, you'll be informed about the results instantly, whereas in other instances, it could take a few weeks. After passing the test you'll be able to apply for your driver's license. Your new license will allow you to explore the rich culture, history and natural beauty of Poland.
Practical test
A driving license is a necessary step for foreigners who want to legally drive in Poland. However, it's also an extremely time-consuming and complicated process. There are a myriad of requirements, tests and other obligations to fulfill to get the license. There are ways to make it easier.
First, you must pass a medical exam to determine if you're qualified to drive. Then, you have to complete a series of driving lessons with a certified instructor. The number of lessons varies according to your prior experience and the kind of license you are pursuing. After you have completed the training you must pass the state exam, which includes both a theoretical and a practical part. The theory test is offered in several languages, so if you don't speak Polish, you can still take it with the assistance of an interpreter.
If you pass all of the above tests, you'll be able to apply for a license. It can take up an entire month to complete the process, so you should start as soon as can. To expedite the process you must submit all of the required documents in advance. This will help you save time and effort.
If you hold valid driver's licenses from one of the countries which is a signatory of the 1968 Vienna Convention, you can exchange it for an Polish one after 180 days of legal residency in the country. You must have proof of residency such as a resident's card or visa. You also need an international driving license that you can obtain from your country of origin.
The process of obtaining your Polish driving license can be complicated but the effort is worth it. Once you have the Polish license, you will be able to enjoy the freedom and ease of touring the country in a vehicle. If you decide to drive, make sure you have fun and be safe!