The driving licence exam is conducted in a two-level form. After finishing the preparatory course, one should take a theoretical test in one of the facilities of the Road Traffic Organization Department.
Passing this exam enables one to take the practical exam, which consists of a practical test on a training yard (first part) and checking one’s ability to drive in the city (second part).
Foreigners who are on the territory of Republic of Poland can take the national exams after proving they reside in Poland for at least 185 days. The examination principles for foreigners do not differ much from those applicable to Polish citizens. If one does not know Polish at the level that is sufficient for passing the exam, one will be obliged to pay more for the theoretical exam (in the case of a category-B exam it is 40 PLN) and to ensure the presence of a sworn translator .
To be able to take the exams, one needs to submit the following documents in a given Road Traffic Organization Department:
- an application;
- proof of payment for the exam;
- one photography of the applicant (without headgear) of the sizes of 3,5 x 4,5 cm;
- Doctor’s certificate stating that there are no health contraindications to drive a car;
- A certificate stating that the applicant has positively finished the course for applicants for drivers;
- A document confirming one’s residence on the territory of RP for at least 185 days a year;
Detailed information concerning the driving license, exams, and requirements can be found on the following website:
http://prawojazdywarszawa.pl/ - here there are also links to the Warsaw’s Road Traffic Organization Departments and the offers of driving schools.
The most popular driving licence categories together with the age criteria that have to be met in order to take the exam:
Category A – motorcycle, age required – 18
Category B – motorized vehicle of the weight of no more than 3,5 tons
Category C – motorized vehicle of the weight of more than 3,5 tons, a tractor, a low-speed vehicle, age required – 18
Category D – a bus, a tractor, a low-speed vehicle, age required - 21
More information can be found on the following website: http://www.prawojazdy.com.pl/index.php?id=65 – you can also turn to Road Traffic Organization Department and ask for help.
Driver training centers
In order to start a driving licence course and take the state examination, one needs to:
- Meet the age criteria; undergo a medical examination
- Pay a fee – full or spread out
The payments for the preparatory courses for the B category (30 x 45 minutes of theoretical classes and 30 hours of driving in practice) vary between 1100 and 1500 złotys.
Some driver training centers offer individual classes in English, i.e. Imola centre in Warsaw.
If the poor command of Polish keeps you away from taking the driving licence course, the solution is to hire a translator (at your own expense), who will participate in the classes. A considerable part of drivers’ education centre declares willingness to cooperate in this manner.
