The Polish Driving Exam Explained (2026): Theory and Practical, Step by Step

The Polish state driving exam has two parts: the theory test (a computer exam at WORD — Wojewódzki Ośrodek Ruchu Drogowego, the regional exam center) and the practical exam (manoeuvring area + city driving). Good news for expats: the theory exam is officially available in English — you choose the language when booking. This guide walks through both parts exactly as they work in 2026.

The theory exam in a nutshell

Element	Value
Number of questions	32
Time	max. 25 minutes
General part	20 YES/NO questions (video clips and photos of real traffic situations)
Specialist part	12 A/B/C questions (for your category)
Maximum points	74
Pass mark	68 points
Going back to a question	not possible after confirming

As of: July 2026.

Questions carry different weights — 3, 2 or 1 point, depending on how important they are for road safety. That means the margin for error is very small: two mistakes on "expensive" questions are enough to fail. We break down the exact point distribution in a separate article on theory exam scoring.

In the general part you get 20 seconds to read the question and 15 seconds to answer; in the specialist part — 50 seconds per question. No answer counts the same as a wrong answer.

How to prepare: the exam questions come from a public, official database — there are no surprises. Work through them systematically — you'll find all of them on our site organized by topic, e.g. warning signs, prohibition and mandatory signs or junctions with priority signs — and before the real exam, take a few online mock exams under conditions identical to those at WORD.

The practical exam: two parts

The practical exam is conducted in Polish. If your Polish is limited, you're allowed to bring an interpreter (a sworn translator) at your own expense — but in practice the examiner's instructions are simple and repetitive ("proszę skręcić w prawo" — please turn right), and many candidates manage after learning a handful of phrases with their instructor. In bigger cities you can also find driving schools with English-speaking instructors who prepare you for exactly this.

Part 1: The manoeuvring area (plac manewrowy)

On the manoeuvring area the examiner assesses:

1. Preparing to drive — adjusting the seat, mirrors and headrest, fastening the seatbelt. Do it demonstratively, even if everything is already set.
2. Vehicle checks (czynności kontrolno-obsługowe) — the examiner randomly asks you to, for example, check the oil or brake fluid level, or point out specific lights.
3. Driving forward and in reverse along a marked lane (the "łuk", or arc) — driving through a marked lane without touching the lines or cones.
4. Hill start — moving off on an incline without rolling back or stalling the engine.

A detailed walkthrough of every task (with the most common mistakes) is in our guide to the manoeuvring area tasks.

Warning: performing the same task incorrectly twice means a negative result — and mistakes on the arc are statistically one of the most common reasons for failing the exam.

Part 2: Driving in traffic

The city portion lasts at least 40 minutes (the examiner may end the exam after 25 minutes if all mandatory tasks have been completed successfully). The route will include, among other things: driving through junctions (unmarked, with traffic lights, roundabouts), changing lanes, merging into traffic, parking and making a U-turn.

The examiner stops the exam immediately if you create a hazard — classic examples are failing to yield right of way, running a red light, or not giving way to a pedestrian. It's worth reviewing the topics behaviour towards pedestrians and junctions with traffic lights not just for the theory test, but for the practical too.

What exam day looks like

1. Arrive 15–20 minutes early with your ID (passport or residence card works).
2. Your details are verified and you're called to the exam room (theory) or the manoeuvring area (practical).
3. Theory: you see your result immediately after finishing the test.
4. Practical: you get the result and a debrief of any mistakes from the examiner right after the drive.
5. After passing both parts, WORD forwards the result to the transport department (wydział komunikacji) — that's where you apply for the physical license (all fees are broken down in our driving license cost guide).

What changed in 2026

• Category B from age 17 — from 3 March 2026, with written parental consent; until the 18th birthday, driving only with a mentor passenger (aged 25+, license held 5+ years), and only within Poland.
• Higher exam fees — from 1 January 2026, set by regional (voivodeship) assemblies (theory approx. 55–65 PLN, category B practical approx. 222–250 PLN); the first increase in 12 years.
• Probation period — 3 years for the youngest drivers, with a zero-alcohol limit and a 12-penalty-point cap.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How long does the theory exam take? A maximum of 25 minutes for 32 questions. Most people finish early.

Can I go back to a previous question? No. Once you confirm an answer (or time runs out), the question disappears and cannot be corrected.

How many points do I need to pass the theory? 68 out of a possible 74 points.

Can I take the practical exam in my driving school's car? Yes — you may take the exam in the OSK (driving school) vehicle you trained in (the school usually charges a fee for bringing the car to the exam center).

When do I get my result? Theory: instantly on screen. Practical: directly after the drive, from the examiner.

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Sources

• Official rules of the theory part of the state exam (32 questions, 25 minutes, 68/74 pass mark) — WORD Warszawa
• WORD announcements on exam fees from 1.01.2026
• Amendment to the Act on Vehicle Drivers (category B from 17, probation period) — in force since 3.03.2026

As of: July 2026.