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Whether you are moving to Poland with an existing driving license or need to get one from scratch, this guide covers everything you need to know. We explain when you can use your foreign license, how to exchange it for a Polish one (with separate procedures for EU and non-EU citizens), and what it takes to pass the Polish driving exam. All requirements, costs, and step-by-step instructions are included.
Poland recognizes foreign driving licenses under specific conditions. Your ability to drive depends on where your license was issued and how long you have been a Polish resident.
While EU/EEA licenses are valid in Poland, you may want to exchange yours for a Polish one for practical reasons (some institutions are more familiar with Polish licenses). The process is straightforward:
Visit an authorized doctor (lekarz uprawniony) for a driving medical examination. Cost: ~200 PLN.
Original EU license, passport/ID, PESEL confirmation, one passport-size photo (35x45mm), medical certificate.
Go to the communication/transport department (wydzial komunikacji) of your local Starostwo.
Fill out the license exchange form. Pay the fee (~100 PLN). Your old license will be held during processing.
Processing takes 2-4 weeks. You can check the status online. Your EU license is returned to the issuing country.
Non-EU license holders must exchange their license within 6 months of registering residence in Poland. The process depends on whether Poland has a bilateral agreement with your country.
Licenses from these countries can be exchanged without exams (similar to EU procedure): Japan, South Korea, and countries with specific bilateral agreements. Check with your local Starostwo for the current list.
You will need to pass the Polish driving theory exam (available in English) and possibly the practical driving exam. Required documents:
If you do not have a foreign license to exchange (or it cannot be exchanged), you can get a Polish driving license from scratch. Here is the complete process:
Visit an authorized medical examiner. The exam checks vision, hearing, and general health. Cost: ~200 PLN. Valid for 15 years (standard Category B).
Apply at the Starostwo for a PKK number. You need your passport, PESEL, medical certificate, and photo. This number is used throughout the entire process.
Enroll in a driving school (osrodek szkolenia kierowcow). The course includes 30 hours of theory and 30 hours of practical driving. Choose a school that offers instruction in English if needed. Cost: 2,000-3,000 PLN.
Take the computerized theory exam at WORD (examination center). Available in English. 32 questions, you need 68/74 points. Cost: ~50 PLN. You can retake it if you fail.
After passing theory, schedule the practical exam at WORD. The exam takes about 40 minutes and covers city driving, maneuvering, and road rules. Cost: ~140 PLN.
After passing both exams, your license is produced and sent to the Starostwo. Collection takes about 2 weeks. You receive a Category B license valid for 15 years.
EU/EEA driving licenses are valid in Poland indefinitely (until their expiry date). Non-EU licenses are generally valid for 6 months from the date you register your residence in Poland. After that, you need to exchange it for a Polish license or obtain a new one. An International Driving Permit (IDP) can extend the validity period in some cases.
Getting a new Polish driving license from scratch costs approximately 2,500-4,000 PLN in total. This includes the mandatory training course (about 2,000-3,000 PLN), medical examination (about 200 PLN), theoretical and practical exams (about 170 PLN combined), and the license issuance fee (about 100 PLN). Exchanging an existing license is much cheaper - typically around 100-200 PLN.
Yes, since 2016 the theoretical driving exam in Poland is available in English at all WORD (Provincial Road Traffic Center) examination centers. The exam consists of 32 questions (20 basic knowledge + 12 specialized) and you need to score at least 68 out of 74 possible points to pass.
The exchange process typically takes 2-4 weeks from the date you submit all documents at the Starostwo (county office). During this time, your original license may be held by the office. You can request a temporary driving permit if needed. EU license exchanges are usually faster than non-EU ones.
EU/EEA license holders do not need to retake any exams. Non-EU license holders may be required to pass the theoretical exam (and sometimes the practical exam) depending on whether Poland has a bilateral agreement with their home country. Countries with reciprocal agreements include Japan, South Korea, and some others.
You need a medical certificate from a doctor authorized to conduct driving license examinations (lekarz uprawniony do badan kierowcow). The exam checks your vision, hearing, general health, and may include neurological and psychological assessments. The certificate is valid for 15 years (or less if the doctor specifies). Cost is around 200 PLN.
No, you need a PESEL number to apply for a Polish driving license. The PKK (candidate driver profile) is linked to your PESEL. If you do not have PESEL yet, register your address (meldunek) first to obtain one, then proceed with the driving license application.
Driving with an expired or invalid license in Poland is treated as driving without a license. This carries a fine of up to 1,500 PLN and your vehicle may be impounded. Repeat offenders face higher penalties. Always ensure your driving documents are valid before driving in Poland.
Once you have your driving license sorted, learn about registering a vehicle in Poland - whether buying new, used, or importing from abroad.