How to Get a Driving License in Poland: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats and Newcomers

Navigating the process of obtaining a driving license in Poland can seem daunting, especially for foreigners. Whether you’re an expat looking to exchange your foreign license, someone starting from scratch, or even dealing with a suspended record, this guide will walk you through the steps to get your Polish driving license hassle-free. We’ll also cover international driving permits, costs, legalities, license categories, and more, including answers to frequently asked questions.

How to Get a Driving License in Poland Without the Hassle

Obtaining a Polish driving license doesn’t have to be complicated if you follow these steps systematically:

Determine Your Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years old for a Category B license (standard cars) and have resided in Poland for at least 185 days in a calendar year, proven by a residence card, visa, or a certificate of studying in Poland for at least six months.
- Ensure you have no medical conditions that prevent driving, confirmed by a medical certificate (valid for up to 15 years, or 5 years for professional drivers).
Obtain a PKK Number
- Visit your local city hall or municipal office (Urząd Miasta or Starostwo) to apply for a Profil Kandydata na Kierowcę (PKK), a unique driver candidate profile number.
- Required documents:
  - Completed application form (available online or at the office).
  - A valid ID (passport or residence card).
  - A medical certificate confirming fitness to drive (costs ~200 PLN).
  - A recent photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
  - Proof of residence in Poland for at least 185 days (e.g., visa, residence permit, or study certificate).
- The PKK is issued free of charge, usually within one business day.
Enroll in a Driving School
- For a Category B license, complete at least 30 hours of theoretical training (road rules, mechanics, first aid) and 30 hours of practical driving lessons.
- Choose a driving school that offers instruction in your preferred language (Polish, English, Ukrainian, or Russian in some schools). Costs vary by city, starting at ~1,100 PLN, with English courses often costing more (e.g., ~1,600 PLN in Wrocław).
- Some schools offer online theory classes to save time.
Pass the Exams
- Theoretical Exam: A computer-based test (available in Polish, English, German, or Ukrainian since 2024) with single-choice questions on traffic rules and road signs. The fee is 50 PLN per attempt.
- Practical Exam: Conducted after passing the theory test, it includes vehicle checks, maneuvers on a test site, and city driving. The fee is 200 PLN per attempt. Non-Polish speakers may need a sworn interpreter for the practical test.
- Schedule exams through the regional Wojewódzki Ośrodek Ruchu Drogowego (WORD) via their website, phone, or platforms like info-car.pl.
Collect Your License
- After passing both exams, return to the city hall or municipal office with your exam results, the same documents used for the PKK, and a fee of 100.50 PLN.
- The license is typically issued within 7–9 days and can be mailed or picked up in person.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Process

Use online resources like drivingtest.pl to practice for the theory exam, which mimics the WORD interface.
If navigating bureaucracy feels overwhelming, consider hiring services like English Wizards or ProRelo for ~$570 to manage paperwork and guide you.
Double-check document translations (if needed) with a sworn translator to avoid delays.

How to Get an International Driving License in Poland

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your national license, allowing you to drive in Poland and other countries under the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna Conventions. Here’s how to get one:

Eligibility
- You must hold a valid national driving license and be at least 18 years old.
- The IDP is valid for 1 year (1949 Convention) or up to 3 years (1968 Convention), not exceeding your national license’s validity.
Application Process
- Apply at your local city hall or municipal office (Department of Communications).
- Required documents:
  - A completed IDP application form.
  - A valid national driving license (original and copy).
  - A recent passport-size photograph.
  - Proof of identity (e.g., passport).
  - Payment of a small fee (varies, typically ~35 PLN).
- The IDP is issued within a few days and can be used in over 175 countries, including Poland.
For Non-Residents
- If you’re not a Polish resident, you must obtain the IDP from the country that issued your national license (e.g., AAA in the U.S. for Americans).

Note: An IDP must always be carried with your national license, as it’s not a standalone document. It’s valid in Poland for up to 6 months from your entry date or until your residence permit is issued.

How to Get a Driver’s License in Poland with a Suspended Record

If your foreign driving license is suspended or revoked, obtaining a Polish driving license becomes challenging:

Suspended License: Poland will not exchange a suspended foreign license. You’ll be treated as an unlicensed applicant and must complete the full process (driving school, exams, etc.) as outlined above. The authorities may request confirmation from your home country’s issuing authority to verify the suspension status, which can delay or block the process.
Legal Restrictions: A suspension or DUI in your home country may result in additional scrutiny. Polish law (Ustawa o Kierujących Pojazdami) prohibits issuing licenses to those with active bans. You may need to resolve the suspension in your home country first.
Workaround: If your suspension is resolved, provide documentation proving your driving privileges have been restored. Then, follow the standard license exchange or application process. Hiring a service to coordinate with authorities can help navigate complex cases.

Important: Driving with a suspended license in Poland can lead to fines, vehicle seizure, or a driving ban of up to 3 years.

Can Foreigners Get a Polish Driver’s License?

Yes, foreigners can obtain a Polish driving license, but the process depends on their country of origin and residency status:

EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: Your license is valid in Poland until its expiration date, with no need to exchange unless desired. To exchange, submit your license, a medical certificate, ID, and a 100.50 PLN fee at the local city hall. No exams are typically required.
Non-EU/EEA Citizens:
- If your country is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna Conventions (e.g., U.S., Canada, Japan, South Korea), you can drive with an IDP or national license for 6 months after registering your stay. After 185 days of residence, you must exchange your license for a Polish one, which may require a theory exam if your license doesn’t match convention standards.
- If your country isn’t a signatory (e.g., India, certain African nations), you must pass both the theoretical and practical exams after completing a driving course.
Ukrainian Citizens: Those with UKR status can apply for a license like other foreigners, but may need to legalize their license at the Ukrainian Consulate (~113 PLN) before exchanging. Since 2024, the theory exam is available in Ukrainian.
Residency Requirement: All foreigners must prove residency in Poland for at least 185 days (via residence card, visa, or study certificate).

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving License in Poland?

The cost of obtaining a Polish driving license varies depending on whether you’re exchanging a foreign license or starting from scratch:

Exchanging a Foreign License:
- License issuance fee: 100.50 PLN.
- Medical certificate: ~200 PLN.
- Sworn translation of foreign license (if needed): ~50–100 PLN.
- Ukrainian citizens may pay ~113 PLN for consulate legalization.
- Total: ~350–500 PLN.
New License (Full Process):
- Driving school (30 hours theory + 30 hours practical): 1,100–2,000 PLN (higher in cities like Warsaw, lower in smaller cities).
- Medical certificate: ~200 PLN.
- Theory exam: 50 PLN per attempt.
- Practical exam: 200 PLN per attempt.
- License issuance fee: 100.50 PLN.
- Total: 2,400–3,500 PLN, depending on the city and number of exam attempts.
International Driving Permit: ~35 PLN additional fee if applied for with the Polish license.

Note: Retaking exams incurs additional costs (50 PLN theory, 200 PLN practical). English-language courses or hiring professional services can increase expenses.

Is It Legal to Drive in Poland Without a Driver’s License?

No, it is illegal to drive in Poland without a valid driver’s license or permit. Consequences include:

Fines and Penalties: Driving without a valid license can result in hefty fines, vehicle seizure, or a citation requiring a court appearance.
Insurance Issues: In case of an accident, insurance companies may refuse coverage, leaving you liable for damages.
Legal Ramifications: Serious offenses (e.g., driving with a suspended license) can lead to a driving ban of up to 3 years or imprisonment for severe cases like DUI.

Foreigners can drive with a valid foreign license or IDP for up to 6 months after entry or residence registration, but must exchange or obtain a Polish license thereafter.

Different Classes of Driver’s Licenses in Poland

Poland offers various driving license categories based on vehicle type and driver age:

Category AM: Mopeds and light quadricycles (14+ years).
Category A1: Light motorcycles (≤125 cc, 16+ years).
Category A2: Motorcycles (≤35 kW, 18+ years).
Category A: Motorcycles (>50 cc or >4 kW, 24+ years, or 20+ with 2 years of A2 experience).
Category B1: Light vehicles (≤550 kg, 16+ years).
Category B: Standard cars (18+ years).
Category C1: Trucks (3.5–7.5 tons, 18+ years).
Category C: Trucks (>3.5 tons, 21+ years).
Category D1: Small buses (≤16 passengers, 21+ years).
Category D: Buses (>16 passengers, 24+ years).
Category BE, C1E, CE, D1E, DE: Combinations with trailers.
Category T: Agricultural tractors (16+ years).

Each category requires specific training and exams, with professional categories (C, D) needing additional medical checks every 5 years.

Cities in Poland with High Demand for Driver’s Licenses

While specific data on demand for driver’s licenses by city is limited, major urban centers with high populations, expat communities, and economic activity typically see greater demand:

Warsaw: As the capital, it has a large expat population and high demand for licenses, with multiple WORD centers.
Kraków: A hub for students and professionals, with many driving schools offering English-language courses.
Wrocław Wrocław: Growing expat community and affordable driving courses (~1,000–1,600 PLN).
Poznań: Popular for its business environment and international residents.
Gdańsk: Coastal city with increasing demand due to tourism and economic growth.
Łódź: Industrial hub with accessible driving schools and testing centers.

These cities have well-established Wojewódzki Ośrodek Ruchu Drogowego (WORD) facilities and driving schools catering to foreigners.

Most Asked Questions in Polish About Driving Licenses

Here are common questions in Polish about obtaining a driving license, sourced from online discussions and official resources, with translations:

Jak wymienić zagraniczne prawo jazdy na polskie?
(How to exchange a foreign driving license for a Polish one?)
- Submit your foreign license, a sworn translation, ID, medical certificate, and 100.50 PLN fee at the city hall. EU licenses don’t require exams; non-EU licenses may need a theory test.
Ile kosztuje kurs na prawo jazdy?
(How much does a driving course cost?)
- Costs range from 1,100–2,000 PLN for Category B, depending on the city and language of instruction. Additional costs include exams (50 PLN theory, 200 PLN practical) and medical checks (~200 PLN).
Czy mogę zdawać egzamin w języku angielskim?
(Can I take the exam in English?)
- Yes, the theoretical exam is available in English, German, or Ukrainian at most WORD centers. Confirm availability when booking.
Jak długo ważne jest polskie prawo jazdy?
(How long is a Polish driving license valid?)
- Standard licenses are valid for 15 years; professional licenses (C, D) for 5 years. New drivers face a 2-year trial period with additional requirements (e.g., safety training, green maple leaf sticker).
Co zrobić, jeśli moje prawo jazdy jest zawieszone?
(What to do if my driving license is suspended?)
- You cannot exchange a suspended license. Resolve the suspension in your home country, then apply for a Polish license. You may need to complete the full training and exam process.

Conclusion

Obtaining a driving license in Poland is straightforward if you prepare thoroughly and follow the legal requirements. EU citizens enjoy simpler rules, while non-EU foreigners may need extra steps like exams or translations. By choosing the right driving school, practicing for exams, and ensuring all documents are in order, you can avoid hassles. For complex cases, like suspended licenses, professional services can streamline the process. Always carry a valid license or IDP to stay legal on Polish roads, and enjoy exploring Poland safely!