License Conversion Process for Foreigners
Polish driving license conversion process involves several key steps and gathering of specific documents as a foreigner. If you’re a foreigner in Poland looking to convert your license from your home country to a Polish one, understanding and following the correct procedure will make the conversion process easy and smooth for you. To read all the steps and process you must go through this blog post.
Who is eligible to convert a license in Poland?
If your country is a signatory to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, you are eligible to convert your license in Poland. Now, you might be wondering, what does the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic mean?
This convention is an international treaty designed to facilitate international road traffic and increase road safety by establishing uniform traffic rules among signatory countries. If your country is part of this convention, you have the right to convert your country license in Poland.
Vienna Convention on Road Traffic
The Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, established in 1968, sets out standardized rules for traffic laws, road signs, and driver licensing among member countries. While not all nations are signatories to this convention, those that are typically honor driving licenses issued by other member states. This mutual recognition allows individuals holding a valid license from one member country to use it in another without the need for further tests or permits for specific period of time.
Procedure to Convert Your License
Here is the complete process that you have to follow when converting your country license into a Polish license.
Step 1: Complete the Documents
Begin by finding a translator in your city who can translate your documents into Polish. The required documents include both the front and back of your driving license, as well as any No Objection Certificate (NOC) or letter.
Cost of Document Translation
Translation fees typically range around 50 złoty for one document. Additional charges may apply for multiple documents. As of the publication date of this article, the approximate total cost for translation ranges from 100 to 150 Polish złoty.
Author Advice for you
We recommend searching for a translator near you by using keywords such as “Tłumacz” or “translator” and confirming the charges directly. While we provide an average cost for document translation, it’s best to verify with the translator.
Step 2: Complete Your Documents
Before visiting the office, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready:
1. Official original translation of your driving license (front and back), along with copies.
2. Original and copy of your driving license (front and back).
3. Copy of your registered address in the same municipality or city where you are applying for license conversion. Additionally, bring the original for inspection at the office.
4. Passport-size photograph.
5. Copy of your residence permit (front and back), with the original for inspection at the office.
6. Payment receipt of 100.50 złoty. You can make the payment on the day of your visit to the office and attach the receipt with your documents.
Step 3: Visit the District Office
To start the process of converting your license in Poland, you must visit the district office or “starostwo powiatowe” in the city where you live. This office has the Department of Communication and Transport, responsible for accepting and processing your application for license conversion.
take all your documents in a complete file, including both original and copy versions, to submit at the office. Upon arrival, you’ll be provided with a form to fill out on the spot and asked to make a payment via card or cash.
There are two possible scenarios you may face:
a. They may accept all your documents and inform you that they will send them to your embassy or consulate, where your license was issued, to confirm its validity and authenticity. In this case, you’ll be instructed to wait until they receive official confirmation from your embassy or consulate.
b. They may request confirmation of your license’s authenticity or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) directly from you. In this scenario, you’ll need to personally visit your embassy to obtain the NOC or any other documents confirming the originality and authenticity of your license.
In most cases, the district office conducts the verification process through your country’s embassy or consulate by their own and through official way.
Step 4: Wait for the Response
After submitting your file, you’ll need to wait for the office to contact you once they receive confirmation regarding the verification of your license.
Timeline for Verification
The exact timeframe for verification is difficult to predict as it depends on your embassy. However, it’s advisable to expect the process to take around 2 to 3 months.
Step 5: Obtain your Numer PKK
Once you receive a call from the district office, visit them to finalize the process of obtaining your Numer Profilu Kandydata Na Kierowcę (PKK), which is necessary to begin the theory test process. You’ll receive this document after filling and signing paperwork at the office.
The office will instruct you to take the theory exam. Upon completion of the theory exam, the process of converting your license into a Polish one will commence automatically.
Step 6: Visit the WORD
After obtaining your Numer PKK, visit the WORD office, where you’ll take your theory exam. They will provide available dates for your exam. Simply pay the theory exam fee of 50 złoty, and they will issue a document containing details of your exam date and time.
Step 7: Take the Theory Exam
Appear for your exam on the scheduled date. If you pass, the WORD office will start the process of your license conversion. You just have to wait for SMS or email notification from the office regarding the collection of your Polish driving license or “prawo jazdy.”
KeyNote from Author for you
This process is specifically for individuals looking to convert their license in Poland from their home country, if your country is a signatory to the Vienna Convention. For those seeking general information on the license process and requirements, we’ve briefly outlined key points below for your convenience.
General Process of Polish Driving Licinece for all
To obtain a Polish driving license, there are several requirements you need to fulfill. Here’s an overview:
Residency: You must be a resident of Poland to apply for a Polish driving license.
Minimum Age: The minimum age to apply for a driving license in Poland varies depending on the category of the license:
For a car (Category B): The minimum age is 18 years old.
For a motorcycle (Category A): The minimum age is 24 years old (for direct access) or 18 years old (with restrictions).
Medical Certificate: You need to provide a medical certificate confirming that you are physically and mentally fit to drive. This certificate can be obtained from a certified medical practitioner.
Theory Exam: You must pass a theory exam testing your knowledge of Polish traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The exam is available in multiple languages, including Polish, English, and German.
Driving School: Completion of a certified driving school course is mandatory. The course typically includes both theoretical and practical training sessions.
Practical Exam: After completing the driving school course and passing the theory exam, you’ll need to pass a practical driving test conducted by an examiner from the Provincial Traffic Center (Wojewódzki Ośrodek Ruchu Drogowego).
Documents: You’ll need to submit various documents, including:
a. Proof of identity (ID card or passport).
b. Proof of residency in Poland.
c. Proof of completion of a certified driving school course.
d. Medical certificate.
e. Photograph of you.
Fees: There are fees associated with the application process, including exam fees and administrative fees which is same for for all. These are the fee for 2024
AM, A1, A2, A: Theory fee is 50zl and practical fee is 200zl.
BI, B: Theory fee is 50zl and practical fee is 200zl.
B96, B+E, C, C+E, D: Theory fee is 50zl and practical fee is 250zl.
Author Note for you: You mostly need B1, B licence to convert in Poland which is LTV e.g. car, taxi etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the theory test compulsory for converting a license in Poland?
Whether the theory test is compulsory depends on your country. Some countries’ citizens can convert their licenses in Poland without an exam. However, in most cases, you have to take at least the theory test and pass it to obtain your driving license, especially applicants from Asia like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.
Is the Poland driving theory test easy or difficult?
The theory test for the Poland driving exam is not overly difficult. You must understand the key rules and regulations regarding traffic in Poland. Also, time management is crucial as the time allotted for the exam is limited. With proper time management and a good grasp of traffic rules, passing the exam for you can be relatively easy.
How many questions are there in the Poland driving theory exam?
The theory exam in Poland consists of 32 questions that you need to attempt when you appear for the test at the WORD office located in your city. You have 25 mints to complete the exam.
How is the theory exam in Poland conducted?
The theory exam is conducted on a computer at the WORD office. Upon arrival, you’ll be asked to provide your documents, either a residence card or passport, for verification. Once verified, you’ll be directed to a designated PC where you’ll receive instructions for the exam. A demo exam will be provided before the actual exam begins automatically.
Is the driving theory exam conducted in English in Poland?
Yes, once you apply for the exam at WORD, you have to inform the staff that you want to take the exam in English. By doing so, they will make the necessary arrangements for your exam day.
How does the driving theory exam look like in Poland?
The exam consists of 32 questions and is divided into two parts: basic and advanced.
In the basic question part:
There are 20 questions that you must answer.
You have 20 seconds to read each question and 15 seconds to answer.
In the advanced question part:
There are 12 questions with three options each.
You have a total of 50 seconds to read and answer the questions.
This part offers more flexibility compared to the basic part, where quick responses are required within the given time period.
Can I rewind the video twice during the test?
The challenging aspect of the theory exam for obtaining your driving license in Poland is that you cannot replay the video or view it a second time. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain focus and utilize the initial 20 seconds to actively watch the video, identifying any signs or hints that may appear in the questions.
How many times can I take the theory exam in Poland?
There is no limit to the number of attempts you can make for the theory exam in Poland to obtain your driving license. For instance, if you fail in your first attempt, you can apply for the next available date on the same day by paying a fee of 50 zloty. This means you have the flexibility to retake the exam until you pass.
How many points does each question carry in the theory exam?
Questions in the theory exam are assigned varying point values, ranging from 1 to 3 points. Some questions may be worth one point, while others could carry two or three points, depending on their complexity. It’s important to approach each question diligently, focusing on understanding and answering them correctly, rather than solely concentrating on the point values of each question.
How to get online preparation for the Poland theory test?
You can get help and prepration for the theory test in Poland. Among these, the following are particularly helpful:
Author recommendation for you
We recommend you this Pro App based on our experience:
“Testy na prawo jazdy 2024” designed by RAY APP LLC. This app offers approximately 2086 questions, covering a wide range questions to the theory test. By practicing with these questions, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the exam.
What makes this app advantageous is its feature allowing you to participate in live exams an unlimited number of times until you’ve answered all the questions correctly. The app also tracks your progress and provides options to review your mistakes.
How long do I have to wait to receive my driving license after passing the theory test?
You will need to wait for at least 14 days to receive your license from the office. The official processing time is approximately 14 days or two weeks from the day you pass the theory exam.
How do I know when my license is ready for collection?
You will likely receive an SMS notification on the phone number you provided during the initial form filling process. This SMS will inform you to collect your Polish driving license from the office.
Do I need to inform the office after passing the theory exam?
No it is not compulsory to inform the office that you pass the exam because the WORD will inform the office automatically that the person with this Numer PKK pass the exam.
Disclaimer: The blog post is purely for informational purposes and guidance. If you need exact information regarding this, we highly encourage you to consult the official source.
If you have any questions regarding this, you can write a comment below and ask your question. We will respond to you as soon as possible.
