How to Get a Category B Driving Licence in Poland

A Category B driving licence (in Polish, prawo jazdy kategorii B) is the standard car licence in Poland and the first Licence most drivers ever hold. It lets you drive a car or van up to 3.5 tonnes, and because it is an EU-format licence, it is valid across the whole European Union, the EEA and Switzerland. This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to get a Category B licence in Poland: who can apply, the medical exam and Candidate Driver Profile you need first, the mandatory driving school, the WORD state exam, what it costs, how long it takes, and what foreign nationals need to know.

If you are planning a driving career, a Category B licence is also your starting point — you build on it later with higher categories and professional qualifications. You can read more on our driving licence in Poland and licence eligibility pages.

What is a Category B driving licence?

Category B allows you to drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3.5 tonnes and up to 9 seats, including the driver. It also lets you tow a small trailer within set weight limits. It is the everyday car licence, distinct from the professional categories C and D, which are used for trucks and buses. The state-owned Polish Security Printing Works states that it produces the Polish Licence and follows the standard EU model.

Who can apply for a Category B licence in Poland?

To apply, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old (you can usually begin the course up to three months before your 18th birthday, with written parental consent if you are still a minor).
• Pass a medical examination confirming you are fit to drive.
• Meet the residence requirement: you must live in Poland for at least 185 days in the year, or be able to show you have studied here for at least six months.

Foreign nationals can absolutely get a Polish licence. You will need your residence card/visa or another document proving your legal stay, such as a PESEL number or proof of a registered address. If you are moving to Poland to work, it makes sense to organise your work permit and work visa in parallel.

Step 1: Pass your medical examination

Before anything else, see a doctor authorised to carry out driver medical examinations (badania lekarskie). The doctor checks your eyesight, general health and fitness to drive, and issues a medical certificate. Driving schools often work with a local doctor so that you can arrange this quickly. The exam usually costs around 200 zł.

Step 2: Get your Candidate Driver Profile (PKK)

Next, you create a Candidate Driver Profile (Profil Kandydata na Kierowcę, PKK) — a unique number that links you, your driving school, and the exam centre in a single system. You apply to the Communication Department (Wydział Komunikacji) of the district office (starostwo), city office or, in Warsaw, your district delegation. Bring a completed application for a driving licence, your medical certificate, an identity document, a colour photo measuring 35 x 45 mm, and your proof of residence. The PKK is free and is usually ready within one working day; you can also apply online. This profile-based system has been in place since the 2014 reform.

Step 3: Complete a driving school course

In Poland, attending an approved driving school (Ośrodek Szkolenia Kierowców, OSK) is mandatory for first-time applicants — you cannot simply self-study and book the exam. For Category B, the legal minimum is 30 hours of theory and 30 hours of practical driving. The theory can usually be completed in a classroom or online as e-learning. At the same time,e the practical lessons take you from a training area into real traffic, including night and motorway driving. Give your PKK number to the school so it can register your training. Many beginners take a few extra practical lessons beyond the minimum to feel ready; additional hours typically cost around 150 zł each. Choose a school registered with the local authority and, if you need it, one that teaches in English.

Step 4: Pass the WORD state exam

The state exam is taken at a Provincial Road Traffic Centre (Wojewódzki Ośrodek Ruchu Drogowego, WORD) and has two parts:

• Theory test: a computer-based exam of 32 questions, scored out of 74 points, with 68 points needed to pass, in 25 minutes. It costs 50 zł and is available in several languages, including English. After passing the theory, you have 6 months to pass the practical part, or the theory result expires.
• Practical test: the examiner checks your pre-drive preparation (fluids, lights, seat and mirrors), then assesses manoeuvres on the test area and driving in real traffic. It lasts around 40 minutes and costs 200 zł. If you fail, you must wait at least 14 days before rebooking, and there is no limit on retakes during your PKK validity period.

Step 5: Collect your driving licence

Once you pass both parts, your results are recorded automatically in your PKK. Return to the Wydział Komunikacji, pay the licence fee of around 100 zł, and the Polish Security Printing Works will produce the card. It is usually ready within about nine working days, though it can take longer if the office needs to clarify anything, and you can choose to have it posted to you. You can track progress online through the official InfoCar service, and once issued, you can also use the digital version in the state mObywatel app.

How much does a Category B licence cost in Poland?

Budget for the whole process rather than a single fee. As a guide:

• Medical examination: around 200 zł.
• Driving school package: roughly 2,50- 5,000 zł.
• Theory exam: 50 zł.
• Practical exam: 200 zł.
• Licence card: around 100 zł.

In total, most people spend between 3,500 and 6,000 zł (roughly €800 to €1,400), with Warsaw and Kraków at the higher end. Each exam retake costs the standard fee again, and extra driving lessons add to the total.

How long does it take?

From creating your PKK to holding the card, the process usually takes two to four months. The PKK and medical take a week or two; the 30 hours of theory and 30 hours of practical typically run over four to eight weeks; exam slots are scheduled within a few weeks; and card production adds a couple more. Booking lessons intensively and preparing thoroughly for the theory test can considerably shorten this.

Foreign drivers: residence and exchanging a licence

If you already hold a driving licence from another country, you may not need to start from scratch. An EU or EEA licence is valid in Poland indefinitely and does not have to be exchanged. A non-EU licence is generally valid for six months after you establish residence; after that, you must either exchange it — if your country has an agreement with Poland — or take the Polish tests. Exchanging usually requires a sworn Polish translation of your Licence (not needed for EU licences) and a fee. You can see the official rules on the government’s exchange a foreign driving licence page. For full details of the whole process, the official Get a Driving Licence” service is the authoritative source.

After Category B: driving professionally

A Category B licence is the foundation. If you want to drive professionally, you can progress to higher categories, such as C and CE for trucks, and then add the professional qualification known as Code 95. If that is your goal, read our guides to the Code 95 in Poland and the tachograph rules, and explore real driver jobs once you are qualified.

Tips to pass on the first time

• Practise the official theory questions until you consistently score well above the pass mark.
• Take the theory test in a language you are fully comfortable with — several are available.
• Book a few extra practical lessons if you are a complete beginner; confidence matters on exam day.
• Learn the common exam routes and manoeuvres your WORD centre uses.
• Schedule your practical test soon after theory so you stay within the six-month window.

Get on the road

Getting a Category B licence in Poland is a clear, structured process: medical exam, PKK, driving school, the WORD theory and practical tests, then your card. Plan well and prepare, and you can be on the road in a few months. When you are ready to take your driving to the next level, register in the driver section and browse current vacancies on FastDriver.eu.

Declaration

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Driving licence requirements, fees, exam rules and procedures in Poland can change and may vary by district office. Always confirm the current rules with official government sources before making decisions — the authoritative pages are the government’s “get   Driving Licence and “exchange   Foreign Driving Licence services. FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for actions taken based on this information.