How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland have to switch their home country's driving license to an Polish one. This is particularly relevant for those who have been in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented with the registration of a local address or visa, or a residence permit).
To accomplish this, they have to pass several tests and tests. The most important ones are:
Medical Examination
It isn't easy to obtain a driving license in Poland especially for foreigners. The procedure begins with a medical exam to ensure you are physically fit to drive. The next step is to take a written exam to prove your understanding of Polish road rules and safety regulations. You will also need to undergo a series of driving lessons with an instructor who is certified to show that you can safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on the country you're from, the process may take up to 6 months, or an entire year or more. Fortunately, if you're an EU citizen or a country that is party to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license can be recognized in Poland without the need to exchange it. For citizens of countries that aren't included in the Vienna Convention or the Vienna Convention, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
However, even if are from one of these countries, you will require a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kilorowce - Driver Candidate Profile) and undergo an examination for medical reasons. You must also bring an official translation of your driver's licence into Polish as well as a copy your passport, and an original visa or proof of residence.
Once you've completed all steps, you will be given an appointment for your driving test at the local road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test for theory will be administered on an automated machine. It will consist of multiple-choice tests on traffic laws, road signs, and safety regulations. The test in practice will be administered by a certified instructor and will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a vehicle that includes changing gears, navigating curves and parking.
At present, drivers working for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are not required to possess an Polish driving license, however in June 2017, this will change. New laws will require drivers to possess an active Polish license, or face insurance issues for cars. Drivers from outside the Eurozone must also get a Polish license within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk having their licenses exchanged.
Theory Exam
If you are a holder of a driving licence issued by an country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention you can exchange it with a Polish licence after 185 legal days, if your residency is confirmed by a local address registration (Zameldowanie), visa, residence card or any other document that proves your right to remain. You will still have to pass the part that is theoretical of the national examination regardless of whether you have a foreign driving license which is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multi-part test that consists of a written part and a practical one. Even the Polish find it difficult and many fail on their first or second attempt despite a lot of study. There are many companies offering to prepare you for the test, but beware of scams - they could take your money and never provide you with the necessary preparations.
Visit your nearest WORD office to schedule your theory test. During the registration you will require a passport as well as your driver profile for candidates (PKK). The fee for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test You must then sign up at your district authority office (osdzie (drogowy) (drogowy) to take a test. The process typically takes about a week, especially in large cities. In this stage, you'll require an PKK, a passport and a proof of your right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
Once the practical exam is completed, you will be able to get your driving license within a few days. To obtain your licence, you'll be required to bring the same documents you used to register your PKK and a proof of passing from the driving school. Driving in Poland is a lot of fun however, it's also a duty. To ensure safety on the road it is essential to adhere to all traffic rules, which includes wearing your seat belt, paying attention to traffic signals, and obeying speed limits. You will be fined by the police if don't. This is why it is important to learn the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
Before you can sit for the test, you have to enroll in a driving school and pass a number of practical lessons. You can search online for driving schools in your area or ask for suggestions. The course runs for a couple of weeks and is extremely affordable. During the lessons you will learn to drive a vehicle and test your driving theory.
The state test which is the final step to obtain a Polish license, is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The test is divided into two parts: the theory and practice. The theory part is available in a variety of languages, making it easier for non-Polish speakers to study. During the practice part of the state test you will be required to demonstrate your ability to drive by showing your skills and knowledge.
You'll also have to complete a first aid course and take an eye test. Based on the type of license you're seeking, you may need to take additional oral or written examinations.
When deutsche fahrschule in polen apply for a Polish license, you must also submit an original birth certificate as well as proof of identity. If you are not yet 18, you must have written permission from your parent or legal guardian. If deutsche fahrschule in polen are a non-native citizen, you need to submit an image of your visa or residence card and a document confirming your legal residency in Poland, such as an official certificate of study or visa stamp.
You can apply for your Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office when you have met all the requirements and passed the tests. Bring your international driving permit If you have one as well as the other documents listed 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 under the age of 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 discover all it has to offer.
Registration
The rules of the road are straightforward in Poland the same way as they are in many European countries. Seatbelts are compulsory and alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden and speed limits are enforced. However, some specific requirements for foreign drivers need to be taken into account. For instance foreigners wishing to get their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical examination and take practical lessons.
It's not an easy task especially for those with a limited Polish proficiency. But there are solutions, such as driving courses offered by numerous language schools or private tutors who provide individual instruction and prepare students for the licensing examination. In addition, there are various online resources that can assist a student to understand Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
Before applying for a license an applicant from another country should make sure they have all the required documents available. Google Translate can assist you to fill out the application form, which is available for download but must be filled out by hand.
In addition, if the applicant plans to pursue a license under categories C or D, they must be able to pass an oral and written test that is focused on vehicle types and safety regulations. To be able to respond to road accidents, the driver must also attend a course on first aid.
Good news for those with an international driving permit or foreign driving licence: they can use it in Poland up to 185 days after the date of their legal residence. However, starting in June, this will change: drivers who work for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are now required by law to exchange their license from abroad to one that is a Polish one.
The new law was enacted to enhance safety of passengers and prevent people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the required requirements. But it has already been criticised by ridesharing companies as well as politicians who believe it will result in longer waiting times and higher prices for drivers.