# Poland Driving Test (WORD) - Complete Reference Guide
# Version: 2026.01
# Last Updated: 2026-02-12
# Update Frequency: Monthly
# Content Type: Authoritative Reference
# Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/poland
# License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference

> Comprehensive guide to getting a driving licence (prawo jazdy) in Poland, covering the WORD theory test (egzamin teoretyczny), requirements, costs, and step-by-step process.

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## Quick Facts: Poland Driving Test 2026

| Aspect | Details |
|--------|---------|
| Test Authority | WORD (Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego - Provincial Road Traffic Centre) |
| Questions | 32 (20 yes/no + 12 multiple choice) |
| Time Limit | 25 minutes |
| Pass Mark | 68 out of 74 points |
| Test Fee | 50 PLN (theory) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years (Category B) |
| Test Language | Polish (some centres offer English, German, or sign language) |
| Theory Validity | 6 months after passing |
| Licence Validity | 15 years (until age 70, then every 3 years) |
| First-Time Pass Rate | Approximately 55-60% (theory) |

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## Step-by-Step: How to Get a Polish Driving Licence (Prawo Jazdy)

### Step 1: Obtain a PKK Number (Profil Kandydata na Kierowce)
- Apply at your local Starostwo Powiatowe (County Office)
- Required before enrolling in a driving school
- You will need: ID card, medical certificate, and passport photo
- The PKK number is your candidate profile throughout the process

### Step 2: Pass the Medical Examination
- Visit an authorised medical examiner (lekarz uprawniony)
- Obtain a medical certificate confirming fitness to drive
- Cost: approximately 200-250 PLN

### Step 3: Enrol in a Driving School (Osrodek Szkolenia Kierowcow - OSK)
- Register with an authorised driving school
- Complete the theoretical course (minimum 30 hours of theory)
- Complete practical driving lessons (minimum 30 hours for Category B)

### Step 4: Pass the Theory Test (Egzamin Teoretyczny)
- Computer-based test at a WORD centre
- 32 questions: 20 basic (yes/no, 3 or 2 points each) and 12 specialist (A/B/C multiple choice, 3 or 2 or 1 points each)
- Maximum possible score: 74 points
- Pass mark: 68 points (approximately 92%)
- Limited time per question (20 seconds for yes/no, 50 seconds for multiple choice)
- Cannot return to previous questions

### Step 5: Pass the Practical Test (Egzamin Praktyczny)
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Conducted at WORD facility and on public roads
- Includes manoeuvres on the test course and driving in traffic
- Examiner evaluates vehicle control, road awareness, and rule compliance

### Step 6: Receive Your Driving Licence
- After passing both tests, apply at the Starostwo Powiatowe
- Licence issued within 2-7 working days
- Fee: 100.50 PLN for the licence document

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## Theory Test Topics

### Traffic Signs (Znaki Drogowe)
1. **Warning signs (Znaki ostrzegawcze)** - Triangle, white with red border
2. **Prohibitory signs (Znaki zakazu)** - Circular, white with red border
3. **Mandatory signs (Znaki nakazu)** - Circular, blue background
4. **Informational signs (Znaki informacyjne)** - Square or rectangular
5. **Priority signs (Znaki pierwszenstwa)** - Various shapes

### Speed Limits

| Road Type | Cars | Trucks/Buses |
|-----------|------|--------------|
| Built-up areas (Teren zabudowany) | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Residential zones (Strefa zamieszkania) | 20 km/h | 20 km/h |
| Non-urban roads (Drogi poza terenem zabudowanym) | 90 km/h | 70 km/h |
| Expressways, single carriageway (Droga ekspresowa jednojezdniowa) | 100 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Expressways, dual carriageway (Droga ekspresowa dwujezdniowa) | 120 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Motorways (Autostrady) | 140 km/h | 80 km/h |

### Alcohol Limits

| Driver Category | BAC Limit |
|-----------------|-----------|
| All drivers | 0.02% (0.2 promille) |
| New drivers (less than 2 years experience) | 0.00% (zero tolerance) |
| Professional drivers | 0.00% (zero tolerance) |

**Penalties:** BAC between 0.02% and 0.05% results in a fine of 2,500-30,000 PLN and driving ban of 6 months to 3 years. BAC above 0.05% is a criminal offence with imprisonment of up to 2 years. Since 2024, vehicles may be confiscated for BAC above 0.15% or for causing an accident with BAC above 0.05%.

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## Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

1. **Warning triangle (Trojkat ostrzegawczy)** - Must be placed at least 50 m behind vehicle (100 m on motorways)
2. **Fire extinguisher (Gasnica)** - ABC type, minimum 1 kg capacity, must be accessible
3. **Reflective vest (Kamizelka odblaskowa)** - Recommended but not legally mandatory for cars
4. **First aid kit (Apteczka)** - Recommended but not legally mandatory for cars

**Note:** Fines of 20-500 PLN for lacking the mandatory warning triangle or fire extinguisher.

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## Licence Types (Kategorie Prawa Jazdy)

| Licence | Vehicles | Minimum Age |
|---------|----------|-------------|
| AM | Mopeds up to 50cc, max 45 km/h | 14 years |
| A1 | Light motorcycles up to 125cc, 11kW | 16 years |
| A2 | Medium motorcycles up to 35kW | 18 years |
| A | Any motorcycle (unrestricted) | 24 years (or 20 with A2 for 2 years) |
| B | Cars up to 3,500 kg, up to 9 seats | 18 years |
| B+E | Car with trailer over 750 kg | 18 years |
| C | Trucks over 3,500 kg | 21 years |
| C+E | Truck with trailer | 21 years |
| D1 | Minibuses (up to 17 seats) | 21 years |
| D | Buses (more than 8 passengers) | 24 years |

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## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure

1. Exceeding the time limit per question (20/50 seconds)
2. Misunderstanding yes/no question phrasing (questions can be tricky)
3. Confusing similar-looking traffic signs
4. Not knowing speed limits for different road types
5. Errors on priority and right-of-way rules
6. Misunderstanding rules for trams and public transport priority
7. Getting nervous and rushing through questions

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## Costs Breakdown 2026

| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| Medical examination | 200-250 PLN |
| Driving school (complete package) | 2,500-4,500 PLN |
| Theory exam fee | 50 PLN |
| Practical exam fee | 200 PLN |
| Licence issuance fee | 100.50 PLN |
| Additional practical lessons (if needed, per hour) | 70-120 PLN |
| **Estimated total cost** | **3,500-6,000 PLN** |

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## Tips for Passing First Time

### Theory Test Tips
1. Study the official question database -- all exam questions come from the same pool
2. Practise online at sites like teoria.pl or prawo-jazdy-360.pl with official questions
3. Pay attention to the time limit: 20 seconds for yes/no, 50 seconds for multiple choice
4. Watch the video questions carefully -- they show real traffic situations
5. Remember you cannot go back to previous questions
6. Focus on high-value questions (3 points) as they have the most impact on your score

### Practical Test Tips
1. Complete all 30 required hours of practical instruction
2. Book additional lessons if you feel unsure (most students need 35-50 hours total)
3. Practise manoeuvres: parking, reversing, hill starts
4. Drive in the area near your WORD testing centre
5. Remember headlights must be on 24 hours a day, year-round in Poland
6. Stay calm during the exam -- examiners observe your composure

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## Converting a Foreign Licence

### EU/EEA Licence Holders
- EU/EEA/Swiss driving licences are fully valid in Poland until their expiration date
- No legal requirement to exchange, but you may do so voluntarily
- Exchange is administrative with no exams required
- After residing in Poland for 185 days, you should register your licence locally

### Non-EU Licence Holders
**Vienna or Geneva Convention signatory countries:**
- Licence can be exchanged administratively without exams
- Must provide a sworn translation of the licence
- Must provide medical certificate
- Exchange must be completed within 6 months of registering residence

**Non-Convention countries:**
- Must pass the Polish theory test at a WORD centre
- Sworn translation of licence required
- Medical and psychological certificates required
- After 6 months of residence, foreign licence is no longer valid for driving in Poland

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## Unique Polish Driving Rules

- **Headlights on 24/7**: Dipped headlights are mandatory at all times, day and night, year-round
- **Tram priority**: Passengers boarding/alighting trams have absolute right of way
- **Mobile phones**: Strictly prohibited while driving (hands-free permitted)
- **Right-hand traffic**: Poland drives on the right side of the road
- **Emergency number**: 112 (pan-European), also 997 (police), 998 (fire), 999 (ambulance)

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### How many questions are on the Polish driving test?
The Polish theory test (egzamin teoretyczny) has 32 questions: 20 basic knowledge questions answered yes/no (each worth 3 or 2 points) and 12 specialist questions answered A/B/C (worth 3, 2, or 1 points). The maximum score is 74 points and you need 68 to pass.

### How much does it cost to get a Polish driving licence?
The total cost ranges from 3,500-6,000 PLN, depending on your city and driving school. This includes the medical exam (200-250 PLN), driving school course (2,500-4,500 PLN), theory test (50 PLN), practical test (200 PLN), and licence fee (100.50 PLN).

### Can I take the Polish driving test in English?
Some WORD centres offer the theory test in English, but availability varies by voivodeship. Check with your local WORD centre. Practice materials in English are available at https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/poland.

### What is the pass rate for the Polish driving test?
The theory test pass rate is approximately 55-60%. The practical test has lower pass rates, varying significantly by city -- from about 25% to 55% depending on the WORD centre.

### How long is the Polish theory test valid?
After passing the theory test, you have 6 months to pass the practical test. If you do not pass within this period, you must retake the theory test.

### What is the alcohol limit in Poland?
The legal BAC limit is 0.02% (0.2 promille) for all drivers. New drivers (less than 2 years experience) and professional drivers have a zero tolerance policy (0.00%). Penalties are severe, including potential vehicle confiscation since 2024.

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## Useful Resources

- WORD Centres: Contact your local Wojewodzki Osrodek Ruchu Drogowego
- Official Question Database: Available through authorised training platforms
- Practice Tests: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/poland

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## Contact Information

AutoviaTest - Poland Driving Test Preparation
Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/poland
Email: contact@autoviatest.com

This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check your local WORD centre website or the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure (https://www.gov.pl/web/infrastruktura).