Polish Driving License 2026 | How to Get
Complete guide to obtaining your Polish driving license (prawo jazdy), from PKK application to passing WORD theory and practical tests. Everything you need to know about driving in Poland.
Getting a Polish driving license (prawo jazdy) involves a structured process overseen by WORD (Wojewódzkie Ośrodki Ruchu Drogowego - Regional Road Traffic Centers). Whether you're a Polish citizen, resident, or foreigner living in Poland, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step from PKK registration to obtaining your license. The process involves medical examinations, theory tests, and practical driving tests. Follow our detailed guide to navigate the system efficiently and pass your tests on the first attempt.
Register for PKK (Candidate Driver Profile)
The first step in getting a Polish driving license is creating your PKK (Profil Kandydata na Kierowcę) - your candidate driver profile. This is required before you can take any tests.
- What is PKK: An electronic profile containing your personal data and information about your driving course progress
- Where to register: At your local Starostwo Powiatowe (County Office) or through the gov.pl portal online
- Required documents: Valid ID or passport, PESEL number (for foreigners, get one at local civil registry), residence registration confirmation (zameldowanie), medical certificate confirming fitness to drive, passport-size photo, parental consent if under 18
- Fee: Free to create PKK
- Validity: PKK is valid for 6 months from creation date
- Tip: You can create PKK online at obywatel.gov.pl if you have a trusted profile (profil zaufany)
Complete Medical Examination
Before creating your PKK, you need a medical certificate confirming you're fit to drive. This is mandatory for all driving license applicants in Poland.
- Where to go: Any authorized medical examiner (lekarz uprawniony do badań kierowców) - lists available at WORD offices
- What to expect: Vision test (minimum requirements vary by category), hearing examination, general health assessment, psychological evaluation (for professional categories)
- Cost: Approximately 200-250 PLN for category B examination
- Documents to bring: Valid ID, passport photo, list of any medications you take
- Validity: Certificate valid for 15 years for category B if under 60 years old
- Special cases: Additional psychological tests required for categories C, D, and professional drivers
- Disqualifying conditions: Certain medical conditions may prevent licensing or require special restrictions
Enroll in Driving School (Ośrodek Szkolenia Kierowców)
In Poland, enrolling in an approved driving school (OSK) is mandatory for first-time license applicants. The school will guide you through the entire process.
- Legal requirement: Attendance at an approved OSK is required by Polish law
- What the school provides: Theory course (minimum 30 hours for category B), practical driving lessons (minimum 30 hours for category B), registration assistance, exam scheduling help
- Cost: Complete packages typically range from 2,500-4,500 PLN depending on city and school
- Choosing a school: Check if registered with Starostwo, compare pass rates (schools must publish them), read reviews, verify instructor qualifications
- Enrollment documents: PKK number, medical certificate, ID document, payment
- Theory course: Can be completed in classroom or e-learning format (since 2023)
- Tip: Some schools offer intensive courses completing theory in one week
Pass the Theory Test at WORD
The theory test (egzamin teoretyczny) is conducted at WORD centers on computers. You must pass this before taking the practical test.
- Test format: 32 questions total - 20 basic questions (1 point each) and 12 specialized questions (2-3 points each)
- Time limit: 25 minutes total
- Passing score: Must score at least 68 out of 74 possible points (approximately 92%)
- Question types: Multiple choice with varying point values, video scenarios showing traffic situations
- Content areas: Traffic regulations and signs (40%), road safety (30%), first aid basics (20%), vehicle technical knowledge (10%)
- Test fee: 50 PLN per attempt
- Language options: Available in Polish, English, and German
- Results: Displayed immediately on screen after completion
- If you fail: Can retake after 3 days, no limit on number of attempts (within PKK validity)
- Tip: Official practice tests available at info-car.pl website
Complete Practical Driving Lessons
After passing the theory test, focus on completing your practical driving lessons. The minimum is 30 hours, but most students need additional hours.
- Minimum requirement: 30 hours of practical lessons for category B
- Lesson structure: Each lesson typically 1-2 hours, covers urban driving, rural roads, basic maneuvers
- What you'll learn: Starting and stopping procedures, lane changing and overtaking, roundabout navigation, parking (parallel, perpendicular, garage), reversing maneuvers, eco-driving techniques
- Additional hours: Most students need 35-50 hours total, additional lessons cost 70-120 PLN per hour
- Practice permission: After theory pass, you can practice with a licensed supervisor using an 'L' plate vehicle
- Readiness assessment: Instructor determines when you're ready for the practical exam
- Internal test: Most schools conduct a mock exam before scheduling the official test
Pass the Practical Test and Receive Your License
The practical test (egzamin praktyczny) at WORD is the final step. Once passed, your Polish driving license will be issued.
- Test duration: Approximately 40 minutes total
- Test structure: First 20 minutes on maneuvering area (plac manewrowy), then 20+ minutes in traffic
- Maneuvering tasks: Parallel parking, garage entry/exit, driving in figure 8, emergency stop, starting on a hill
- Traffic portion: Driving in urban area following examiner instructions, demonstrate proper observation and road rules
- Test vehicle: WORD vehicles or your driving school's car (must meet requirements)
- Test fee: 200 PLN per attempt
- Passing criteria: No major errors and maximum 2 minor errors in maneuvers, safe and rule-compliant driving in traffic
- Major errors (instant fail): Hitting poles/cones, leaving designated area, dangerous traffic violations
- If you fail: Can retake after scheduling new date, no limit on attempts within PKK validity
- Getting your license: After passing, apply at Starostwo with exam confirmation, processing takes 2-3 weeks, license valid throughout EU
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Polish driving license cost in total?▼
Total costs typically range from 3,500-6,000 PLN: Medical examination 200-250 PLN, Driving school package 2,500-4,500 PLN, Theory test 50 PLN, Practical test 200 PLN, License fee 100 PLN, Additional lessons if needed 70-120 PLN each. Costs vary by city - Warsaw and Kraków are typically more expensive.
Can I use a foreign driving license in Poland?▼
Yes, with conditions. EU/EEA licenses are valid indefinitely in Poland. Non-EU licenses are valid for 6 months from establishing residency - after that, you must exchange them (if from a country with agreement) or take Polish tests. Some countries like USA, Canada, and Ukraine have exchange agreements. Check current agreements at your local Starostwo.
Is the theory test available in English?▼
Yes! The Polish driving theory test at WORD is available in Polish, English, and German. The English version contains identical questions and point values. However, some students find certain translations awkward, so it's helpful to learn key Polish traffic terminology even if taking the test in English.
How long does the entire process take?▼
The complete process typically takes 2-4 months: Medical exam and PKK creation (1-2 weeks), Theory course (2-4 weeks), Theory test (schedule within 1-2 weeks), Practical lessons (4-8 weeks), Practical test (schedule within 1-3 weeks), License processing (2-3 weeks). Timeline depends on your schedule, learning pace, and WORD availability.