Driving at 17 in Poland: when a Category B holder needs a supervisor — and when not

The question

Poland lowered the Category B age limit to 17 on 3 March 2026, with a supervision period attached. Category B, however, also carries AM and B1 entitlements. So can a 17-year-old with only a Category B licence ride a moped, a light quadricycle or a microcar without a supervisor?

The answer: it depends on the vehicle, not your age

Yes — and this is one of the more interesting details of the new rules. A Category B licence automatically includes AM and B1 entitlements. A 17-year-old passes a single state exam (Category B) and the licence card then also shows the B1 and AM codes.

What matters is the vehicle you are driving, not the fact that a minor holds Category B:

• Passenger car (Category B proper) — you must drive with a named supervisor for the first 6 months after passing, and no longer than until your 18th birthday. Restriction code 65 appears on the licence.
• Moped or light quadricycle (Category AM — up to 350 kg, maximum 45 km/h) — a 17-year-old rides completely alone, no supervisor required.
• Quadricycle or microcar (Category B1 — unladen mass up to 400 kg for carrying people or 550 kg for goods, engine output up to 15 kW) — again, no supervisor required.

Why the supervision rule works this way

The supervision duty is attached to driving a motor vehicle in the Category B sense, not to the driver's age as such. A 16-year-old holding only B1 may already drive those vehicles alone — so a 17-year-old who gained the same entitlements while passing the full Category B exam may do so too.

Course vs driving alone — every age threshold in one place

Polish law separates starting a course, sitting the exam and driving solo. Here is the full timeline:

• Category B course — you can start 3 months before your 17th birthday, with written parental consent.
• State exam — from the day you turn 17.
• Passenger car (Category B) — solo driving only from 18; at 17 you drive with a designated supervisor (code 65).
• Moped and light quad (Category AM) — solo from 14.
• Micro-car (Category B1) — solo from 16.
• Abroad — a licence issued at 17 works only in Poland until you turn 18.

Other limits that still apply at 17

Beyond supervision, a 17-year-old Category B holder faces further restrictions: the licence is valid only within Poland until their 18th birthday, a 0.0 per mille alcohol limit applies, and the probationary period is extended to 3 years (and no longer than until the age of 20). These restrictions concern driving a passenger car, not AM or B1 vehicles.

The rules for 17-year-old drivers took effect on 3 March 2026 and are still being clarified, so check the current legal position with a WORD examination centre or your driving instructor before making decisions.

Learning to drive in Warsaw

At OSK Lauto you can enrol on a Category B course three months before your 17th birthday with written parental consent. Courses run in Polish and in English — check the pricing and sign up online, and we will guide you through the PKK number and medical check.