Can You Use a Translator at the Polish Driving Test? Apps, Sworn Translators and Exam Languages

Last checked: 13 November 2026.

Foreign students often ask us: “Can I use a translation app during the exam?” or “Can a translator come with me on the practical test?” The rules depend on which part of the exam you are taking, so we have put them all in one place.

The short answer

• **Electronic translators** (apps, phones, devices) are not allowed — neither in the theory test nor in the practical test.
• **The theory test** is available in Polish, English, German and — for some categories — Ukrainian. A sworn translator may help only before the test begins.
• **During the practical test**, a sworn translator may accompany you the whole time. This is an option, not a requirement.

Theory test: which languages?

The WORD exam system offers four language versions: Polish, English, German and Ukrainian. A version with sign-language interpretation is also available.

The Ukrainian version covers only categories B and C. For other categories, such as motorcycles or buses, it is not yet available.

There are no other languages. Poland’s Ministry of Infrastructure has confirmed that someone who speaks, for example, only Korean cannot choose their own language — only the versions built into the system are available.

Can a sworn translator help in the theory test?

Yes, but only to a limited extent. If your Polish isn’t good enough to understand the exam rules, you may bring a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły). You arrange and pay for them yourself.

However, the translator may help only until the test starts — explaining the organisation and the rules. Once the first question appears on screen, they must stop.

Exception: candidates for professional categories (C, C+E, D) may have a sworn translator with them throughout the theory test. Such tests are held individually, fully supervised and recorded.

What about a translation app?

No. The exam is supervised, and only candidates, examiners and — where applicable — a sworn translator may be in the exam room. The rules do not provide for any electronic language aid.

Translator at the practical driving test

Yes. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, a sworn translator may take part in the entire practical test — on the manoeuvring area and in city traffic.

In practice, this is rare. Examiner instructions are short and simple: “turn right”, “pull over to the right”. Basic Polish is usually enough.

And an electronic translator while driving?

Also no. The law allows only a sworn translator — a qualified person, not an app — as language support. Besides, holding a phone while driving is a sure way to fail.

Will the rules change?

The Ministry of Infrastructure is considering a change that would let a sworn translator stay with candidates for the whole theory test, including category B. Exams with translators would be recorded to prevent abuse. For now, this is only a proposal, not the law.

Summary: theory vs practical test

• **Languages:** theory — Polish, English, German, Ukrainian (cat. B and C), sign language; practical — examiner instructions in Polish.
• **Sworn translator:** theory — only before the test starts (cat. C, C+E, D — throughout); practical — throughout the test.
• **App / electronic translator:** not allowed in either test.
• **Who pays for the translator:** the candidate.

Our tips

• Choose the language you understand best from those available — and study for the test in that language.
• Learn the basic examiner instructions in Polish. It’s a dozen or so phrases that make the practical test much easier.
• Need a translator? Book one early and ask your WORD centre about the arrangements.
• If in doubt, confirm the rules with the WORD centre where you are taking the test.

How we can help

At Lauto in Warsaw, we also teach students from abroad. In our practical lessons, we practise the examiner’s instructions and drive the exam routes around WORD Bemowo and WORD Odlewnicza. Get in touch if you want to prepare for your test without the language stress.

This article is for information only. Rules may change — confirm the current requirements with your WORD centre.

Sources: Interia — exams for foreigners · Ministry of Infrastructure replies to interpellations 13691, 9840 and 11893 · Forsal — exam in Ukrainian · Radio Kraków.