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Category B driving licence at 17 — rules and restrictions in Poland in 2026
Since 3 March 2026, the minimum age for obtaining a category B driving licence in Poland is 17. The course itself can start earlier, from age 16 years and 9 months, but until the 18th birthday additional restrictions apply — most importantly, the obligation to drive with a qualified supervisor for the first six months after getting the licence.
Table of contents
Since when can you get a category B licence at 17?
Since 3 March 2026, the minimum age for obtaining a category B driving licence in Poland is 17 — previously it was 18. The change was introduced by an amendment to the Act on Drivers.
A person who has turned 17 and meets the other requirements (medical exam, course, exams) can obtain a licence — until turning 18, however, they're subject to the additional restrictions described below.
When can you start the driving course?
Category B training can start three months before reaching the minimum age, i.e. from 16 years and 9 months. This lets the course (theory, practice, internal exam) be completed so the candidate can sit the state exam as soon as possible after their 17th birthday.
You can take the state driving test even earlier: Article 50 of the Act on Drivers allows you to sit it one month before reaching the required age, from 16 years and 11 months.
| Age | What you can do |
|---|---|
| 16 years and 9 months | Start the driving course |
| 16 years and 11 months | Take the state driving test |
| 17 years | Obtain a category B licence |
Driving rules for a driver under 18
A driving licence obtained before turning 18 works under different rules than a standard licence — three extra restrictions apply until the 18th birthday.
A mandatory supervisor in the car
For the first six months after obtaining the licence, but no longer than until turning 18, a young driver must drive with a qualified supervisor sitting in the front passenger seat. Driving alone, without a supervisor, isn't allowed during this period.
Who can be a supervisor?
A supervisor must be at least 25 years old, have held a category B licence continuously for at least 5 years, not be subject to a driving ban, and not have had one in the last 5 years. The supervisor must be sober and not under the influence of any intoxicating substances.
Driving only within Poland
Until turning 18, a category B licence obtained by a minor only entitles the holder to drive within the territory of Poland.
Parental or legal guardian consent
A minor needs written consent from a parent or legal guardian both to start the procedure (obtaining a PKK number) and to have the licence issued. The consent must be submitted in the form required by the relevant office — worth confirming before booking the medical exam and submitting the application.
See also getting a PKK before turning 18 in our PKK guide.
Forms for applicants under 18
An applicant under 18 files the same nationwide driving licence application as adults. Its current template, in force since 3 September 2026, is set out in the annex to the regulation (Journal of Laws 2026, item 1162). What else to attach and what to watch out for with older forms is explained in the guide to PKK forms.
Parental or guardian consent must be in writing (Article 11(2) of the Act on Vehicle Drivers), but the law sets no nationwide template for it. According to gov.pl, the parent or legal guardian comes to the office with the applicant and signs it there. If they cannot come, ask the office in what form it will accept the consent.
What changes after turning 18?
Turning 18 ends the obligation to drive with a supervisor (regardless of whether the six-month supervision period has already elapsed) and the territorial restriction — from that point, driving abroad is allowed too.
One thing doesn't disappear: every driver who obtains a category B licence for the first time is also subject to a probationary period — it continues to apply after the 18th birthday too, until it formally ends.
Frequently asked questions about the licence from 17
Can a 17-year-old get a category B driving licence?
Yes. A person who has turned 17 and meets the other requirements can obtain a category B driving licence. Until turning 18, though, they're subject to the additional restrictions described in this article.
From what age can you start a category B course?
Category B training can start three months before reaching the minimum age, i.e. from 16 years and 9 months.
Under what rules can a 17-year-old drive a car?
For the first six months after obtaining the licence, but no longer than until turning 18, a young driver must drive with a qualified supervisor sitting in the front passenger seat. Until turning 18, the licence is only valid within Poland.
Who can be the supervisor of a 17-year-old driver?
The supervisor must be at least 25 years old, have held a category B licence continuously for at least 5 years, not be subject to a driving ban, and not have had one in the last 5 years. They must also be sober and not under the influence of any intoxicating substances.
Can a 17-year-old drive alone, without a supervisor?
Not during the supervision period. For the first six months after obtaining the licence, but no longer than until their 18th birthday, a 17-year-old driver must drive with the required supervisor.
Can a 17-year-old drive abroad?
No. Until turning 18, a category B licence obtained by a minor only entitles the holder to drive within the territory of Poland.
Does a minor need parental consent for a driving licence?
Yes. A minor needs written consent from a parent or legal guardian to start the procedure and to have the licence issued. The consent must be submitted in the form required by the relevant office.
Sources and legal basis
Sources verified: 9 October 2026Check the legislation and official sources behind this article.
Below are the regulations referenced in this article. The ELI links lead to official publications and the available consolidated texts and amendments.
- Legislation · ELIAct on Drivers — consolidated text, Journal of Laws 2025 item 1226
- Articles 8 and 8a: minimum age and driving rules before turning 18;
- Article 11: eligibility for a licence;
- Articles 21 and 50: how early you may start training and take the state driving test.
- Legislation · ELIAmendment of 17 October 2025 — Journal of Laws 2025 item 1676
Changes concerning 17-year-old drivers. Art. 16 and 16a set out the transitional rules.
- Government sourceMinistry of Infrastructure announcement of 3 March 2026
“Drivers: new rules apply from 3 March — check what has changed!” — the official explanation of the changes, including obtaining a category B licence from age 17.
- Legislation · ELIRegulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 29 August 2026 amending the regulation on issuing driving licence documents (Journal of Laws 2026, item 1162)
Annex: the current driving licence application form (from 3 September 2026). § 2(2): old printed forms may be used up, with the statement from the new form attached, until 31 December 2026 at the latest.
- Government sourceGov.pl — Get a driving licence (Uzyskaj prawo jazdy)
Official service description: where to file documents; written consent signed by a parent or legal guardian at the office.
Ready to start your driving course?
See the full step-by-step guide and how much a category B licence really costs in Wrocław.