If you permanently reside or work in Poland, you may eventually need to obtain a Polish driving license. This applies to both beginners and experienced drivers. In this article, we explain who can get a license in Poland, the available license categories, the process for obtaining a license, and the associated costs.
Who Can Get a License in Poland?
Foreigners who legally reside in Poland for more than 185 days and have a residence card are eligible to obtain a Polish driving license. Additionally, Ukrainian citizens with UKR status have the right to apply for a license. Foreigners with a Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka) can attend driving school, but this alone is not enough to pass the exams.
To obtain a license, applicants must be at least 18 years old (for category B) and have no medical conditions that would prevent them from driving.
Main Categories of Driving Licenses
- Category A: Motorcycles with an engine displacement of more than 50 cc or power greater than 4 kW. The minimum age of the driver is 24 years (or 20 years with an A2 license held for at least two years).
- Category A1: Motorcycles with an engine displacement not exceeding 125 cc and power up to 11 kW. The minimum age of the driver is 16 years.
- Category A2: Motorcycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 35 kW. The minimum age of the driver is 18 years.
- Category AM: Mopeds and light four-wheeled vehicles. The minimum age of the driver is 14 years.
- Category B: Passenger cars up to 3.5 tons and no more than 8 passengers. The minimum age of the driver is 18 years.
- Category B1: ATVs up to 400 kg and power up to 15 kW. The minimum age of the driver is 16 years.
- Category C: Trucks with a mass of more than 3.5 tons and trailers with a mass not exceeding 750 kg. The minimum age of the driver is 21 years (or 18 years if vocational training is completed).
- Category C+E: Trucks with trailers heavier than 750 kg. The minimum age of the driver is 21 years (or 18 years if vocational training is completed) and requires a Category C license.
- Category D: Buses with at least 9 passenger seats (including the driver) and trailers up to 750 kg. The minimum age of the driver is 24 years (or 21 years if vocational training is completed).
- Category D+E: Buses with trailers over 750 kg. The minimum age of the driver is 24 years (or 21 years if vocational training is completed) and requires a Category D license.
- Category T: Agricultural or forestry tractors and similar vehicles with trailers or semi-trailers. The minimum age of the driver is 16 years.
Read: Public Transport in Poland – How to Get Around the Country
Driving License in Poland: Step by Step
Medical Certificate
The first step to obtaining a driving license is to undergo a medical examination by an occupational medicine doctor, who will issue a certificate of fitness to drive. To arrange this, you need to schedule an appointment by phone or online. The doctor will assess your eyesight, hearing, motor skills, mental state, and any chronic conditions that might affect your ability to drive.
The cost of a medical examination varies from 100 to 200 PLN, depending on the clinic. Sometimes this cost may be included in the total price of a driving course.
The maximum validity of a medical certificate is 15 years, while for professional drivers, it is 5 years. After this period, you must undergo the examination again. If there are health issues, the certificate may have a shorter validity period.
Driver Candidate Profile (PKK)
The PKK (Profil Kandydata na Kierowcę) number is a unique code required for registering for driving courses and exams. To apply, go to the local city council or municipal office in your place of residence and submit the following documents to the communication department:
- Application for the issuance of a PKK number (available for completion on-site or downloadable from the website)
- Passport or another identity document
- Medical certificate
- A 3.5 x 4.5 cm photograph
You can also apply online. A PKK number will be issued once the application is processed. This service is free of charge.
Driving Courses
To obtain a Category B license, you need to complete at least 30 hours of theory and 30 hours of practice. Theory classes cover the rules of the road, basic mechanics, first aid, and road safety. Practical lessons focus on essential driving skills, such as starting, stopping, turning, lane changes, and parking.
After completing the course, some schools hold their own exams that closely resemble the state exams. This helps you prepare more effectively. Upon completion of the course, the school issues a certificate.
The cost of driving courses varies depending on the driving school and region. On average, for 30 hours of theory and 30 hours of practice, you can expect to pay between 1,900 and 2,900 PLN.
Passing the Exams
The exam consists of two parts: theory and practice. Both parts are taken at the WORD (Wojewódzki Ośrodek Ruchu Drogowego). For registration, you need the same documents required for the PKK, plus a certificate from the driving school. The certificate does not have an expiration date, but after passing the theory exam, you have six months to complete the practical test; otherwise, the theory results will be canceled.
The theory exam is taken in the form of an electronic test, with each answer worth 1, 2, or 3 points. The maximum score is 74 points, and you must score at least 68 to pass. If you score below this threshold, you must pay again and register for a retake. The cost of the theory exam is 50 PLN.
After successfully passing the theory exam, you can proceed to the practical test, which costs 200 PLN. During the practical test, the examiner checks preparation for driving (e.g., oil, antifreeze, brake fluid levels, headlight condition, seat and mirror adjustments), driving skills on the test platform (e.g., smooth starts and stops, handling an overpass, obstacle avoidance), as well as driving technique, adherence to traffic rules, and safe driving on public roads.
See also: Minimum salary in Poland in 2024
Obtaining a License
After successfully passing the exams, return to the local city council where you began the process of obtaining a license. Present the same documents as before, along with the exam results, and pay a fee of 100.50 PLN. You will be issued a Polish-style driving license, which is valid in the EU and in countries that are parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention, including Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus.
It is also possible to obtain an international driving license. To do so, you need to complete a special application form and pay an additional fee.
The driving license will be ready within 2–3 weeks and can be sent by mail or picked up in person.
Total Cost of Obtaining a Driving License
An approximate breakdown of costs for a Category B license:
- Photo: 20–50 PLN
- Medical certificate: 100–200 PLN
- Driving training course: 1,900–2,900 PLN
- Theoretical exam: 50 PLN
- Practical exam: 200 PLN
- Driving license issuance fee: 100.50 PLN
In total, you can expect to spend between 2,400 and 3,500 PLN. Additionally, for each attempt to retake the exam, you will need to pay the standard fees: 50 PLN for the theory test and 200 PLN for the practical test. Remember that prices may vary significantly depending on the region.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Which country's driving license is valid in Poland?
EU/EEA licenses are fully valid in Poland, Vienna Convention countries are valid for up to 6 months, IDP is recommended for others, especially if staying longer than 6 months.
Can I give a driving test in English in Poland?
Yes, you can take the theoretical driving test in English in Poland. The theoretical exam is a computer-based test available in Polish, English, German, and Polish Sign Language. You can choose your preferred language when enrolling for the exam at the Customer Service Office of the Regional Road Traffic Center (WORD).
Do I need to change my license issued outside Poland?
If you have an international driving license, you can drive in Poland without restrictions and do not need to exchange it for a Polish license, even if you live in Poland permanently. However, if you have a national license, you can only drive with it for 185 days from the date of arrival. After that, you must exchange it for a Polish license. To do this, you need to gather the necessary documents and pass a medical examination. No exams are required.
Can I take the test more than once?
Yes, you can take the exams multiple times if you don’t pass on the first attempt. However, you will need to pay a fee for each attempt and wait at least 14 days between tests.
