Now That You've Purchased Get A Driving License In Poland ... Now What?
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 to an Polish one. This is particularly relevant for those who have lived in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented by an address registration for local addresses or visa, or a residence permit). To do this they must pass a series tests and exams. The most important are: Medical Exam It is difficult to obtain a driving permit in Poland particularly for foreigners. The process begins with a medical exam to confirm that you're physically fit to drive. The next step is to take a written exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety rules. Additionally, you will need to take a series of driving classes with an instructor who is certified to demonstrate that you can safely operate a car on Polish roads. Depending on your origin The process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months or longer. If you are a citizen of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your domestic driving license will be accepted in Poland without needing to exchange it. Alternatively an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a must for those from countries that aren't a part of the Vienna Convention. Even if you're an a resident of one of these nations, you'll still need to obtain a PKK and be able to pass a medical exam. You'll also need to bring a translation of your driver's licence into Polish and a copy of your passport, and a valid visa or proof of residency. After you have completed all the necessary steps, you'll be given a driving test time at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The theory test will be conducted on an automated machine. It will comprise multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safety rules. 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 employed by ridesharing firms like Uber or Bolt are not required to possess an Polish driving license, however in June 2017 the law will change. New laws will force drivers to possess an official Polish driving license or face insurance problems. In addition, drivers who are outside of the Eurozone will require a Polish licence within 185 days of settling in Poland or risk exchanging their license. Theory Exam If you hold a driving license issued in the country that is a member to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for an Polish licence after 185 days of legal residence, provided that your residency is confirmed by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or another document confirming your right remain. However, you will still need to pass the theoretical part of the national exam in the event that your foreign license is accompanied by an International Driving Permit. The theory test is a multiple-part test comprised of a written portion and a practical part. Even the Polish aren't able to pass it, and many fail on their first or second attempt even though they have studied hard. There are several companies that offer preparation for the test, but beware of their swindles – they may be able to take your money and not provide you with the necessary preparations. Visit your nearest WORD office to arrange your theory test. You'll need your passport and the candidate driver profile (PKK) at the time of registration. The fee for the theoretical portion of the test is 30 PLN. After passing the theory test, you will need to sign up with your district authority (osdzie). (drogowy), for a practical test. The process usually will take about a week, especially in big cities. At this time you will need a PKK as well as a passport and a document that confirms your right to remain in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card). Once the practical exam is completed, you will be able to get your driving licence in a few days. To get your license, you'll be required to bring the same documents that you did for the registration of your PKK and a proof of passing from the driving school. Driving in Poland is an enjoyable experience but it's also a duty. To drive safely it is crucial to observe all road rules, including wearing the seat belt, obeying traffic signals and observing speed limits. You'll be fined by the police if you do not. This is why it is important to master the Polish driving manners. Practical Exam Before you can take the practical test, you have to enroll in an driving school and pass some practical lessons. You can search online for driving schools in your area or ask for suggestions. The course is for a few weeks and is affordable. During the lessons you will learn to drive a vehicle and be tested in driving theory. The state test which is the final step in obtaining the Polish license, is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The test consists of two parts of theory and practice. The theory part of the exam is offered in a variety of languages, which makes it easier for non Polish natives to prepare. In the practice portion of the state exam you must demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your skills and knowledge. You'll also have to pass a first aid course and pass an eye test. Depending on the type of license you're planning to pursue, you might need to take additional oral or written examinations. You must provide your birth certificate as well as identification documents when applying for an Polish driving license. If you are under 18 years old, you need to have a written consent from your legal guardian or parent. If you are an international citizen, you will need to submit a photocopy your visa or residence card along with any document that demonstrates your legal stay in Poland. After you have fulfilled all of the requirements and passed all exams, you can apply for the Polish driving license at your local Voivodeship office. Be sure to bring your international driving permit if you have one, as well as all of the documents mentioned above. After you've provided all the required documents, your driving license will be issued in two weeks. The driving license is valid for 15 years for drivers who are younger than 70, and for three years for drivers older than 70. A driving license will make it much easier for you to get around Poland and discover all it has to offer. Registration Like many countries in Europe the rules of the road in Poland are generally straightforward. Seatbelts are required and alcohol consumption is not permitted and speed limits are strictly enforced. There are certain conditions that must be fulfilled by foreign drivers. For example, foreigners who wish to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical test and undergo practical training. It's not an easy task especially for those with a limited Polish proficiency. There are other options available, like driving classes provided by language schools or private tutors. These classes offer individualized instruction to prepare students for the license exam. Additionally there are numerous online resources that can assist a student to understand Polish road signs and driving manners. Before applying for a license an applicant from another country should make sure they have all the required documents available. Google Translate can help you complete the application form, which can be downloaded, but must be filled out by hand. Furthermore, if a candidate intends to pursue a license under categories C or D, they must also take an oral and a written test that is focused on the type of vehicle and safety regulations. Additionally the first aid course must be taken to learn how to react to accidents on the road. There's good news for those who have an international driving permit or foreign driving licence that they are able to use it in Poland up to 185 days after their date of legal residence. However, starting in June this will change: drivers working for ridesharing companies such as Uber or Bolt are now required by law to exchange their foreign license for one in the Polish one. The new rule was enacted to increase safety for passengers and to prevent the transportation of people on vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the necessary requirements. But was kostet ein führerschein in polen has already been condemned by ridesharing companies as well as politicians who believe it could lead to longer waiting times and higher prices for drivers.