Polish driving licence exam: fees, English theory, sign-up (2026)
Short answer: The theory test (68 of 74 points to pass) can be taken in English. Category B fees are 286.97 zł in Warsaw and 297 zł in Poznań as of 15 October 2026. Fees are set by each voivodeship.
If you want a Polish driving licence rather than exchanging a foreign one, you take a state exam at a regional traffic centre (WORD, Wojewódzki Ośrodek Ruchu Drogowego). The theory test can be taken in English, and the exam fee depends on the voivodeship. This guide covers the fees, languages, sign-up conditions and cancellation rules published by the Ministry of Infrastructure and two large exam centres, as of 15 October 2026. Check your own centre's page before you pay, because fees are set locally and change.
What the exam consists of
The state exam has a theory part and a practical part. The Ministry of Infrastructure describes the theory test as a computer test of 20 basic questions and 12 category-specific questions. It lasts 25 minutes. Each question has one correct answer, and you cannot go back to a question you have skipped.
Questions carry 3, 2 or 1 points depending on how important they are for road safety. The maximum is 74 points, and you need at least 68 to pass.
Fees for category B (cars)
Each voivodeship sets its own exam fees. Two examples from the exam centres' own pages:
- Warsaw (WORD Warszawa, rates from 1 January 2026): theory 56.98 zł, practical 229.99 zł, both parts 286.97 zł.
- Poznań (WORD Poznań, rates from 22 April 2026): theory 59 zł, practical 238 zł, both parts 297 zł.
Other regions publish their own tables, and some changed rates in spring 2026. The Warsaw page we read still showed the January rates, so confirm the current figure on the centre's site or in the booking system before you transfer money. These amounts are only the state exam fee. Driving school (OSK) lessons, the medical certificate and the licence issue fee are separate costs.
Which languages you can use
The theory test can be taken in Polish, English or German. Ukrainian is available for category B, according to the Poznań and Ciechanów pages. Poznań lists Ukrainian for B, B1, C and C1, and WORD Warszawa announced that from 16 February 2026 Ukrainian is also available for C and C1 theory.
You choose the language when you book the date, so do not leave it until the exam day. Poznań also says you can use a sworn interpreter up to the start of the test. Ask your centre how to arrange one and who pays.
The practical exam is a driving test with an examiner, so you need to understand instructions in Polish or arrange an interpreter in advance. Ask the centre what it allows.
What you need to sign up
According to the Poznań WORD page:
- For the theory part you give your PKK number (the candidate profile number issued by your local communications department) and your PESEL. If you are a foreigner without a PESEL, your date of birth is accepted. You pay the exam fee. Completing the driving school course is optional before theory.
- For the practical part you also need the PKK and PESEL or date of birth, you must have completed the driving school course, and you pay the fee.
- On the exam day, show a valid identity document. Poznań lists a national ID card, residence card, passport, temporary foreigner identity certificate, Polish foreigner ID, or tolerated stay consent, and from July 2023 a mObywatel document.
How to pay
Warsaw accepts bank transfer, card or BLIK at the customer service desk, or payment while booking in the Info-Kierowca system. The transfer title must include your PESEL, name, type of exam and category. Poznań accepts payment at the cash point on site (with a 3 zł fee), by transfer to your individual account, by card at the desk, or online through the e-Usługi portal. Because the account number differs by exam site in Warsaw, use the number for the site where you booked.
Cancelling or changing the date
Warsaw and Poznań have the same rule. If you tell the WORD in writing at least two days before the exam (Poznań says two working days) that you will not attend, the fee is credited to another date or refunded on request. Electronic notice is accepted by some centres. If you miss the deadline you can lose the fee, so set a reminder when you book.
After you pass
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, a licence for the non-professional categories is valid for 15 years. Professional categories C and D are issued for up to 5 years. On renewal you do not retake the exam, unless the licence was issued for a limited time for health reasons.
Practical tips
- Book the theory test early. It does not require finishing the driving school course first, so you can learn the question base while you take lessons.
- Use the official question catalogue. The Ministry publishes a question base and a candidate catalogue file on its driving licence page.
- Ask the centre in writing about interpreters and language before paying.
- If you already hold a licence from the EU or another country, check whether exchanging it is possible. That route has no exam, and we cover it separately.
* Photos: Polish driving licence (1976) and Polish driving licence (2013) via Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do you need to pass the Polish theory test?
You need at least 68 out of a possible 74 points, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure. The test has 32 questions and lasts 25 minutes.
Can I take the Polish driving theory exam in English?
Yes. WORD centres offer the theory test in Polish, English and German, and Ukrainian for category B. Choose the language when you book.
How much is the category B exam in Poland?
It depends on the voivodeship. As of 15 October 2026, the published rates are 286.97 zł for both parts in Warsaw (rates from January 2026) and 297 zł in Poznań (from 22 April 2026). Check your centre.
Can I get a refund if I cannot attend?
Yes, if you inform the centre in writing at least two days before the exam. The fee is credited to a new date or refunded on request.
