Poland Driving Licence : Getting a driver’s license in Poland involves a few key steps:
- Meet the eligibility requirements – You must be a specific age, pass medical checks, and meet residency requirements.
- Study for the theory exam – The knowledge test covers road signs, rules, fines, documents, and first aid.
- Book and pass the theory exam – Computerized multiple choice tests are booked and taken at exam centers.
- Take practical driving lessons – You must complete required hours with a licensed instructor.
- Pass the practical driving test – You’ll have to demonstrate driving skills like parking, maneuvering, etc.
- Submit your license application – Visit an exam center with all your documents to apply for your plastic license.
- Get your photo taken – You’ll have your photo taken for your license during the application process.
Eligibility Criteria to Obtain a Poland Driving Licence
To be eligible for a driver’s license in Poland, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old for a motorcycle license or 21 years old for a car license
- Pass a medical examination and have a certificate from your doctor
- Show proof of identity and residency in Poland
- Complete required driving courses at a driving school
- Pass the theory and practical driving exams
Steps to Getting Your First Polish Driver’s License
Here is an overview of the complete process for obtaining your first driver’s license in Poland:
- Step 1: Register for theory and practical driving lessons at a certified school
- Step 2: Take the mandatory theory driving classes
- Step 3: Study for and pass the internal school theory exam
- Step 4: Complete required practical driving lessons with an instructor
- Step 5: Get a medical certificate from your doctor
- Step 6: Schedule and pass the official theory exam at an exam center
- Step 7: Take and pass the practical driving test on public roads
- Step 8: Submit your application and documents to the exam center
- Step 9: Get your photo taken and printed plastic license
Types of Driver’s Licenses in Poland
There are several categories and types of driving licenses you can obtain in Poland:
Category AM
- For light two- or three-wheel vehicles like mopeds and motorbikes
- Minimum age: 16 years
Category A1
- For motorcycles with a cylinder capacity up to 125cc
- Minimum age: 16 years
Category A2
- For medium-sized motorcycles up to 35kW power
- Minimum age: 18 years
Category A
- For high-powered motorcycles above 35kW
- Minimum age: 24 years
Category B
- For cars and light vehicles up to 3500 kg
- Minimum age: 18 years
Category B+E
- For cars towing trailers up to 750kg
- Minimum age: 18 years
Category C
- For trucks over 3500 kg
- Minimum age: 21 years
Category C+E
- For trucks towing heavy trailers
- Minimum age: 21 years
How to Renew Your Polish Driver’s License
To renew your driving license in Poland, you must:
- Check the expiry date – Licenses must be renewed every 15 years until you turn 65, then every 5 years.
- Get a medical certificate – You’ll need a new medical exam and certificate from your doctor.
- Submit renewal application – Fill out the license renewal form and submit it at an exam center.
- Pay renewal fee – The current license renewal fee is 100 PLN.
- Provide updated photos – You’ll need to provide new photos with your renewal application.
- Take eye exam – Drivers over 50 may need to take an eye exam for license renewal.
- Get updated license – Your new plastic card will be issued with updated expiry dates.
Documents Needed for Renewal
To renew your Polish license, you’ll need:
- Existing driver’s license
- Medical certificate (issued in last 30 days)
- ID with photo like passport or ID card
- 2 recent passport-size photos
- Completed license renewal form
- Fee payment
How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Polish License
If your Polish driving license is lost, stolen or damaged, you must replace it within 30 days by:
- Reporting the loss to the local police station
- Getting a police report of your lost/damaged license
- Applying for a replacement license at an exam center
- Providing a new medical certificate
- Providing 2 updated passport photos
- Showing your police report and ID documents
- Paying a replacement fee of 100PLN
- Taking an updated photo for your new license
After submitting the application, you’ll be issued a temporary paper license valid for 30 days until you receive your new plastic driving license.
How to Change Your Address on a Polish Driving License
If you change your place of residence in Poland, you must update your address on your driving license within 30 days by:
- Visiting your local exam center
- Filling out the “Change in Data” application
- Showing proof of your new address (like rental agreement)
- Providing updated passport photos
- Paying a 25PLN fee
- Receiving an updated license with new address
You’ll be given a temporary paper license until your new plastic license card is issued featuring your updated address details.
Taking the Theory and Practical Driving Exams in Poland
To qualify for a driver’s license, you must pass a theory exam and practical driving test.
The Theory Exam
- Computerized multiple choice test with randomized questions
- Covers traffic signs, rules, fines, first aid, technical issues
- Requires at least 68% correct answers to pass
- Available in several languages
- Fee of 30PLN payable at exam center
The Practical Driving Exam
- On-road driving test in the candidate’s car
- Includes maneuvers like parking, turning, reactions
- Assessed on safety and control of the vehicle
- Driving examiner gives real-time instructions
- Fee of 140PLN payable on the exam day
Both exams can be booked online or at exam centers after completing required driving courses.
Traffic Violations, Penalties and Demerit Points in Poland
Driving violations may result in fines, demerit points, and license suspension:
Fines and Demerit Points
| Violation | Fine | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 10-20 km/h over | 50-100 PLN | 2 points |
| Running a red light | 500 PLN | 6 points |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | 500 PLN | 6 points |
| Driving without a license | 1500 PLN | N/A |
| Drunk driving | 2500 PLN | 10 points |
License Suspension
- 24 points = 3 months suspension
- 24 to 54 points = 6 months suspension
- Over 54 points = License revocation
Serious offenses like drunk driving and reckless driving can also lead to immediate license suspension.
Driver’s License Fees in Poland
Here are some common driver’s license fees in Poland:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New license | ~100-200 PLN |
| License renewal | 100 PLN |
| Replacement license | 100 PLN |
| Change of address | 25 PLN |
| International driving permit | 30 PLN |
| Theory exam | 30 PLN |
| Practical driving exam | 140 PLN |
FAQs on Poland Driving Licence
1. How long is a Polish driver’s license valid?
Polish licenses are valid for 15 years until age 65, then they must be renewed every 5 years.
2. How old do I need to be to get a car license in Poland?
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Category B license for driving a car or light vehicle in Poland.
3. Can I drive in other EU countries with a Polish license?
Yes, a valid Polish driving license allows you to legally drive in all EU and EEA countries. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
4. How do I make an appointment for a driving exam in Poland?
You can book theory and practical driving exam appointments online or through exam centers after completing required driving courses.
5. Is a medical certificate required for a driving license in Poland?
Yes, you must obtain a medical certificate confirming your health and fitness to drive from an