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How to Get a Driving License in Poland Many foreigners living in Poland have to change their home country driving license for a Polish one. This is particularly the case for those who spend more than 180 days as a legally resident (documented by local address registration, visa or residence permit). To do this they must pass a string of tests and exams. The most important ones are: Medical Exam The process of getting a driver's license In Poland is a daunting task, especially for expats. The procedure begins with a medical test to determine if you're physically fit for driving. The next step is to take a written exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish road rules and safety regulations. Additionally, you will need to undergo a series of driving lessons with an instructor certified to demonstrate that you are able to safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads. Depending on where you are from It could take up to 6 months or longer. If you're a citizen of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your driver's license from your country will be accepted in Poland without having to exchange it. Alternately right here (IDP) is suggested for those from countries that aren't a part of the Vienna Convention. However, even if you are from one of these countries, you'll need to obtain a PKK (Profile Kandydata Na Kierowce Driver Candidate Profile) and undergo a medical exam. You'll also need to bring a translation of your driver's license in Polish and a copy of your passport and an original visa or proof of residence. After you have completed all the steps, you will be given an appointment date for your driving test at the local road traffic centre (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test is taken on an automated machine and will consist of multiple-choice questions about traffic laws such as road signs, safety rules. The test on the practical side is conducted by a certified driver. It requires you to demonstrate your ability to drive a vehicle including changing gears, maneuvering corners and parking. In June 2017, drivers working for ride-sharing companies such as Uber or Bolt will be required to have a valid Polish driving license. The new laws will require drivers to possess a valid Polish driving license or face insurance issues. Drivers from outside the Eurozone must also obtain a Polish license within 185 days of arriving in Poland or risk having their license exchanged. Theory Exam If you hold a driving license issued by a country that is a signatory to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for an Polish license after 185 days of legal residency, provided that your residency is documented by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or a residence card, visa or other document confirming your right to stay. You must still pass the part that is theoretical of the national test unless you have an international driving permit which is accompanied by an International Driving Permit. The theory test is split into two parts: a written and a practical part. It is notoriously difficult even for Polish people, and a majority of people fail on the first or second attempt, despite much studying. Numerous companies offer assistance to help you prepare for the test. Beware of scams that promise to make you pay, but they will never offer any help in preparation. To schedule your theory test you must visit your nearest WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego). You will require your passport as well as the candidate driver profile (PKK) during registration. The cost for the part that is theoretical is 30 PLN. After passing the theory exam After passing the theory exam, you must sign up at your district authority office (osdzie (drogowy), for a practical test. In most cases, this process takes a week or two especially in the larger cities. You will need your PKK passport, passport and a document that confirms that you have the right to stay in Poland (Zameldowanie). After passing the test, you will be issued your driving license within few days. You'll need the same documents you used to obtain your PKK and a certification from the driving school. Driving in Poland is a lot of fun, but it is also a responsibility. If you want to drive safely, you must obey all the rules of the road. this includes using seat belts, adhering to speed limits, and obeying traffic signals. If you don't you will be penalized by the police. This is why it is important to master the Polish driving etiquette. Practical Exam You'll need to enroll at an academy for driving and take the series of lessons before you can take your practical test. You can search online for driving schools in your area or ask around for recommendations. The course lasts for a couple of weeks and is very affordable. In Read This method , you'll learn to drive and be tested in driving theory. The final step in obtaining the Polish driving license is the state exam. The test is held at the Province Road Traffic Centers. The exam is split into two parts: theory and practice. The theory portion is offered in many languages, making it simpler for non-Polish speakers to prepare. During the practice part of the state examination you will be required to demonstrate your ability to drive by demonstrating your abilities and understanding. You'll also have to complete a first aid and an eye test. You may be required to pass written or oral tests, based on the type of license you're pursuing. You must provide your birth certificate as well as proof of identity when applying for an Polish driving license. If you are younger than 18 years old, you must submit an official written consent from your parent or legal guardian. If you are an international citizen, you will have to provide a photocopy of your residence card or visa, as well as any document that confirms your legal stay in Poland. You can apply for your Polish driving license at the local Voivodeship Office when you have met all the requirements and passed the exams. Bring your international driving permit in the event that you have it, and the other documents mentioned above. Once you've submitted all the required documents, your driving license will be issued within two weeks. The license will be valid for 15 years for those who are younger than 70 and three years for those who are over 70. A driving license makes it easier to explore Poland and everything it offers. Registration The rules of the road are simple in Poland, as they are in most European countries. Seatbelts are required and drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden and speed limits are enforced. However, certain specific requirements for foreign drivers have to be taken into account. For instance, foreigners who want to get a driver's license in Poland must pass a medical examination and take practical classes before they can sit for the state examination. It's not an easy process especially for those with a limited Polish proficiency. However, there are solutions such as driving classes offered by numerous private tutors or language schools who provide individual instruction and help students prepare for the licensing examination. In addition, there are various online resources that will help a student to understand Polish road signs and driving behavior. A foreigner should have all the required documents prior to applying for a driver's license. Google Translate can assist you to fill out the application form that is available for download, but must be completed by hand. If the applicant wants to obtain a license for categories C or D they must pass an oral and a written test which covers vehicle types and safety regulations. To be able to deal with road accidents, the applicant must also take a class on first aid. Good news for those with an international driving permit, or foreign driving license that they are able to use it in Poland up to 185 calendar days after the date of their legal residence. In June, this will change. Drivers who are employed by ride-sharing companies like Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their driving licenses from abroad for the Polish license. The new rule was put in place to increase safety for passengers and stop people from being transported in vehicles driven by drivers who don't meet the standards. It has been criticized already by ridesharing companies and politicians who believe it will cause longer waiting periods for drivers and increased costs for passengers.