Five Killer Quora Answers To Get A Driving License In Poland
How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners who live in Poland have to change their home country driving license in order to obtain a Polish one. This is particularly relevant for those who have resided 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 must pass a series tests and exams. The most important are:
Medical Examination
It is difficult to obtain an driving license in Poland especially for foreigners. The process begins with a medical exam to determine if you are physically fit enough to drive. The next step is to take a written exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety regulations. You must also take a series driving lessons with an instructor who is certified to demonstrate that you are able to safely operate a car on Polish roads.
Depending on where you're from, the process can take as little as 6 months or a year or more. If you're an EU citizen or one of the countries that are parties to the Vienna Convention, your domestic driving license can be recognized in Poland without the need to exchange it. Alternately, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is suggested for citizens of countries that are not part of the Vienna Convention.
Even if you are an a resident of one of these countries, you will still need to obtain a PKK as well as pass a medical examination. Fuehrerscheinn 'll also have to carry a translation of your driver's licence into Polish, as well as a copy your passport and proof of residency, or an official visa.
Once you have completed the necessary steps, you will be offered a test time at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The theoretical test will be performed on an automated device and will consist of multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs and safety regulations. The test in practice will be conducted by a licensed instructor. It will require you to demonstrate your ability to operate a car, including changing gears, maneuvering around curves and parking.
Currently, drivers working for ridesharing companies like Uber or Bolt are not required to have an Polish driving license. However, as of June 2017 the law will change. New laws will require that drivers possess a valid Polish license or face car insurance issues. Additionally, drivers from outside the Eurozone must obtain a Polish licence within 180 days of arriving in Poland or risk exchanging their license.
Theory Exam
If you own a driver's license issued in the country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for a Polish licence after 185 days of legal residency, provided that your residency is documented by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or another document confirming your right remain. However, you'll be required to pass the theory portion of the national test regardless of whether your foreign license is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
The theory exam is a multi-part test consisting of a written part and a practical part. It is notoriously difficult even for the Polish people, and the majority of test takers fail on the first or second attempt despite a lot of study. There are a variety of firms that promise to prepare you for the test, but beware scams - they could make you pay and then not give you the preparations.
Visit your nearest WORD office to schedule your theory test. During the registration you will need a passport and your candidate driver profile (PKK). A fee for the theoretical part of the exam is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test, you must register at your district authority (osdzie). Drogowy) to pass a practical exam. The process typically takes about a week, especially in large cities. You will require your PKK, passport and document confirming that you have the right to remain in Poland (Zameldowanie).
Once the practical exam is passed, you can obtain your driving licence within some days. You'll need the exact documents you used to get your PKK along with a proof of the driving school. Driving in Poland is a lot of fun, but it is also a responsibility. To ensure safety on the road it is crucial to adhere to all traffic rules, which includes wearing the seat belt, obeying traffic signals and observing speed limits. You will be fined by the police if do not. It is important to know the Polish driving etiquette.
Practical Exam
You will need to first enroll in a driving academy and complete a series of practical lessons before you can sit for your practical exam. You can locate a driving school in your area by searching online or asking your friends for recommendations. The course is inexpensive and takes a few weeks. During the lessons you will learn how to drive a car and be tested in driving theory.
The final step to get a Polish driving license is passing the state test. It is administered at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is divided into two parts of theory and practice. The theory part is available in several languages, making it easier for non-Polish speakers to study. When you take the state exam you'll need to demonstrate your driving skills and understanding.
You will also need to pass a first-aid course and have an eye test. You may be required to take oral or written tests based on the type of license you're seeking.
You must submit your birth certificate as well as identification documents when you apply for an Polish driving license. If you are less than 18 years old, you'll need an official written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you are an international citizen, you'll have to provide a photocopy of your visa or residence card along with any document that confirms your legal stay in Poland.
You can apply for your Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office after you have met all the requirements and passed the tests. Make sure you bring your international driving permit, if you have one, as well as all of the necessary documents mentioned above. Once you have all the necessary documents, the office will process them and issue your driving permit within two weeks. The license will be valid for 15 years for those under the age of 70 and three years for those over 70. Having a driving license will make it much easier for you to get around Poland and explore all that Poland offers.
Registration
The rules of the road are straightforward in Poland the same way as they are in a majority of European countries. Seatbelts are mandatory and alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden and speed limits are enforced. There are a few requirements to be adhered to by foreign drivers. For instance, foreigners wanting to get their driving license in Poland must take a medical exam and practical lessons before they can sit for the state examination.
The process is not without difficulties, particularly for those who don't speak in Polish. But there are solutions, such as driving courses offered by various private tutors or language schools who provide individual instruction and help students prepare for the licensing test. In addition there are a variety of online resources that can assist students understand Polish road signs and driving etiquette.
Before submitting an application for a license, a foreigner should ensure they have all the necessary documents available. Google Translate can help you fill out the application form that is available for download, but is required to be completed in person.
In addition, if the applicant is planning to pursue a license in categories C or D, they need to be able to pass an oral and written exam that focuses on the types of vehicles and safety regulations. In addition an initial aid course must be attended to learn how to react to accidents on the road.
If you're a holder of an international driving permit or foreign driving license, there's great news: they are able to use it in Poland for 185 days from their date of legal residency. Starting in June the policy will change. Drivers working for ridesharing services such as Bolt or Uber are now required to swap their foreign driving license to the Polish license.
The new requirement was implemented to enhance safety of passengers and prevent people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers that don't meet the standards. However, it has been condemned by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will lead to longer wait times and higher prices for drivers.