How to Get a Driving License in Poland
If you are an EU citizen, your foreign driving licence permits you to drive in Poland. However, after six months of residency, you'll need to exchange it to a Polish license.
To be able to do this, you'll need to fulfill four conditions. First, you'll have to pass a physical test.
Requirements
A driver's license is a necessity for anyone who plans to drive on Polish roads. It is especially crucial for foreigners who do not have a Polish driving licence or whose driving license is not recognized by Polish law.
If you are a citizen of one of the nations that has signed the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (for up to 180 days) the driving license is valid in Poland. If you wish to drive on Polish roads longer than 180 days, you will require an appropriate local driving permit by exchanging your foreign driving licence to one that is a Polish one.
You must meet certain conditions to be eligible. This includes taking classes and passing tests. The duration of the course is usually between 2 and 3 months. The course includes both theoretical as well as practical training. The theory test is a computer-based examination on road safety and rules, while the practical part involves driving on real roads under the supervision of an examiner.
Medical tests are also required, and you'll need to take an eye test to ensure that your vision is at a high level. In some cases you may require written and oral tests that focus on certain vehicle types. In addition, you'll have to complete a first aid course and prove that you're able to respond in a situation of emergency on the road.
All of this can be done at the provincial traffic center where you received your driver's licence. The process is quite simple and easy, since most offices have an interpreter and a lot of staff members speak English. However, if the language barrier is impossible to overcome, you can request a sworn interpreter for your state examination and other related procedures. It is more expensive to employ a sworn interpreter however, it's often quicker than attempting to communicate with Polish officials using your native language. The final step is to submit your documents and wait for a response. This could take anywhere from between a few weeks and several months, depending on the amount of work for the voivodeship's roads and transportation authority.
Medical tests
Getting a driver's license to drive in Poland is a major step, particularly for foreigners. The process is long, expensive and complex. It is important that you be aware of the requirements prior to starting. Some of the requirements include age, medical tests and a theory test. It is also recommended to sign up at a driving school for practical lessons.
You must first pass a medical examination before you can attempt your theoretical driving test. This exam is designed to ensure that you are fit enough to drive and are not at risk of serious injuries. The test must be conducted in a center for diagnostics equipped with the latest equipment and certified doctors. The test may require blood and urine samples.
You must also take a test in theory in order to obtain your driver's license. The theory test is offered in a variety of languages, making it more accessible for non-Polish-speaking drivers to take. However, you will require to understand Polish road signs and dashboard indicators. The test is not easy, and many people fail it on their first or second try.
The practical test is the last requirement for obtaining your Polish driving license. This test tests your ability to operate a vehicle in different traffic conditions. The test also tests your knowledge about Polish road rules and regulations. This test is difficult and even Polish drivers fail it on their first or second attempt.
If you are a citizen of a nation that has signed the Convention on Road Traffic, you can use your home country's driver's license for 180 days after arriving in Poland. After this time you will need to exchange it to a Polish one.
To transfer your license, you will need a copy of your passport and a visa or residence card that proves you've lived in Poland for at minimum six months. You'll also require an international driving permit that you can purchase kup prawo jazdy online or at the post office. The international driving permit translates the driver's license of your home country into a variety of languages, which can be useful when renting a vehicle or communicating with police.
Theory test
To begin you'll have to take an exam in the theory section at one of Poland's Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchudrogowego, or provincial road traffic centers. These locations are well-equipped for foreigners as they offer English-language versions. But, it's always important to call ahead to verify availability.
In you can try this out to the test of theory, you'll also need to complete a number of practical driving lessons with an instructor. The amount depends on your previous experience and the category of license you're seeking.
You can sign up online or in person at the WORD center located in your province after you have passed the theory exam. You can register on the internet or at the center. For the state test, you'll need the same paperwork as for the PKK and a valid certificate from your driving school. In some instances when you're not fluent in Polish, you may be required to bring an approved interpreter along.
If you're a resident of an EU or EFTA country, you're able to drive with a foreign license for up to six months, without having to exchange it to one Polish one. However, if you want to drive in Poland beyond this period you'll need to pass the state exam.
The state exam is divided into two parts: the theory part and the practice part. For the theory portion you'll have to answer 32 questions (theoretical) each of which is worth various points. You must get at least 68 points out of 74 points to pass the test. Expect to be asked a variety of multiple-choice questions as well as written-out more specific solutions. The exam lasts 30 to 45 minutes, and you'll be required to pay 50 PLN as the registration fee. Then, you'll need to wait for the results which will be made available on a public website. In some cases, you'll be informed about the results immediately, while in other cases it may take several weeks. After passing the test, you can apply to get your driver's licence. And the most exciting thing is that your new license will allow you to enter the world of Polish culture, history and natural beauty.
Practical test
For foreigners who want to drive legally in Poland getting a driver's license is a must. However, it's lengthy and complex. To get the license, you must fulfill many requirements. You will also need to pass tests and fulfill other duties. There are ways to make it simpler.
First, you must pass a medical exam to determine if you're fit to drive. Then, you have to complete a series driving lessons with a certified instructor. The amount of lessons you will receive is depending on your previous experience and the type of license you are pursuing. Once you have completed the course, you must pass the state examination which includes a theoretical test as well as a practice portion. The theory test is available in a variety of languages, so if you do not speak Polish, you can still take it with the help of an interpreter.
If you pass all of the above tests, you will be eligible to apply for your license. It can take up one month to complete the process, so you should start as soon as can. To expedite the process you should provide all of the necessary documents in advance. This will save you a lot of time and effort.
If you have valid driver's licenses from a country which is a signatory of the 1968 Vienna Convention, you can exchange it for an Polish one within 180 days of having legal residence in the country. You will need to provide proof of residency, like a residency card or visa. You'll also need an international driving license, that you can obtain from your country of origin.
The process for obtaining your Polish driving license can be complicated but the effort is well worth it. Once you have the Polish license, you will be able to enjoy the freedom and convenience of touring the country on a car. If you choose to drive, be sure you are having fun and be safe!