How to get a Polish driving licence step by step

Getting a driving licence in Poland follows a fixed sequence that surprises many newcomers: you cannot simply book lessons first. The process runs through a district office, a medical exam, a theory course, 30 hours of driving and two state exams. Here is the whole path in plain English.

Step 1: Register for a PKK number

PKK (Profil Kandydata na Kierowcę) is your driver candidate profile. You create it at the district office (urząd dzielnicy) for the area where you live in Warsaw. Bring your passport or residence card, one biometric photo and proof of address. The number is issued on the spot and identifies you until the licence is printed. Details in our guide to PKK registration for foreigners.

Step 2: Medical examination

Any occupational medicine doctor can issue the certificate. The visit takes about 15 minutes and costs around 200 PLN. Ask for a certificate for Category B — it stays valid for the rest of the process.

Step 3: Theory course

The mandatory theory part is 30 hours of lectures covering road rules, first aid and vehicle basics. At Lauto lectures run in English — no other Warsaw school should make you sit through Polish-only classes. After the course you pass an internal theory test that mirrors the state exam format.

Step 4: 30 hours of driving lessons

You start on a training yard and finish on the actual exam routes around WORD Bemowo and Odlewnicza. Each lesson is a full 60 minutes. If parallel parking or roundabouts need more work, we simply spend more time on them — extra hours cost 180 PLN/h, or 1700 PLN for a 10-hour package.

Step 5: State exams and the licence

First the theory test (computer-based, available in English at WORD Warsaw, 50 PLN), then the practical exam (yard manoeuvres plus about 40 minutes of city driving, 250 PLN). After passing, the licence card is printed within about 9 working days and collected at the same district office that issued your PKK.

How long does it all take?

A standard course takes 4–8 weeks; our accelerated and intensive courses compress it to 2–3 weeks. The longest wait is usually the practical exam slot, so we book it for you early, while your lessons are still running.

Start today

Enrol online in two minutes and we call you back with a start date in English. See our courses and prices, or check the exam preparation page for what comes next.