Category B Driving Licence – Frequently Asked Questions

Category B Driving Licence Step by Step

  • How do I get a category B driving licence step by step?

    First, complete a medical exam, prepare a current photo, and submit an application to get your PKK number. Then either enrol in a full course at a driving school, or prepare for the state theory exam on your own and, once you pass it, complete the mandatory practical training. Finally, pass the practical exam, pay the fee for issuing the driving licence, and wait for the document. You'll find a full, illustrated description of every stage in the step-by-step guide.

  • Where should I start when getting a category B driving licence?

    It's best to start with the medical exam and the photo, since both are needed to create a Candidate Driver Profile (PKK). The PKK number is then used by the driving school and the exam centre.

  • Do I need a PKK before enrolling in a driving course?

    You need a PKK number to start formal training. You can choose a driving school beforehand and work out the details with them, but the PKK profile is required so the school can retrieve the candidate's data and begin training.

  • Can I prepare for the theory exam on my own?

    Yes. You can prepare for the state theory exam by yourself. Once you pass it, you still need to complete the mandatory practical training at a driver training centre, and then pass the practical exam.

  • How many hours does a standard category B course include?

    A standard course includes 26 teaching hours of theory classes, 4 teaching hours of first-aid classes, and 30 clock-hours of practical training.

  • How long does a category B driving course take?

    Regulations set a minimum number of training hours but don't dictate a number of weeks. The actual duration mainly depends on the theory class schedule, instructor availability, how often you drive, and your own availability.

  • Does the driving course end with an internal exam?

    A full course at a driver training centre ends with a check of knowledge and skills as part of an internal exam. The procedure can look different for someone who has already passed the state theory exam independently and only takes practical training.

Driving from Age 17

  • From what age can you get a category B driving licence in 2026?

    As of 3 March 2026, the minimum age for obtaining a category B driving licence in Poland is 17.

  • From what age can you start a category B driving course?

    Training for category B can start three months before reaching the minimum age, meaning from age 16 years and 9 months.

  • Can a 17-year-old receive 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 they turn 18, however, additional restrictions apply.

  • Under what conditions can a 17-year-old drive a car?

    For the first six months after obtaining the licence, but no later than turning 18, a young driver must drive with a qualified supervisor sitting in the front passenger seat. Until they turn 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 driving licence continuously for at least 5 years, not be subject to a driving ban, and not have had one in the past 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 period when supervision is required. For the first six months after obtaining the licence, but no later than their 18th birthday, a 17-year-old driver must drive with the required supervisor.

  • Can a 17-year-old drive a car abroad?

    No. Until they turn 18, a category B driving licence obtained by a minor only entitles them to drive within Poland.

  • Does a minor need parental consent for a driving licence?

    Yes. A minor needs the written consent of a parent or legal guardian to start the procedure and to have the driving licence issued. The consent must be submitted in the form required by the relevant authority.

Probationary Period from 3 September 2026

  • Who is subject to the probationary period introduced on 3 September 2026?

    From 3 September 2026, anyone getting their first category B driving licence is subject to a probationary period. It lasts two years if you are 18 or over when you get your licence, or three years if you are under 18, ending no later than your 20th birthday. During this period, you must have no alcohol in your system when driving and must not drive under the influence of drugs with effects similar to alcohol.

  • When does the probationary period start?

    It starts on the date your driving licence is issued. If you use a temporary electronic driving licence, it starts on the date you gain your entitlement to drive.

  • Does every new driver have to take an additional driving safety course?

    No. You must complete practical training in road traffic hazards if you accumulate more than 12 penalty points during your probationary period. This training takes place at a driving technique improvement centre (ODTJ).

  • Can the probationary period be extended?

    Committing two of the road safety offences specified in the law, confirmed by final rulings, results in a two-year extension if both rulings are issued during the probationary period. If at least one ruling is issued after it ends, an additional two-year probationary period is imposed.

  • When can a new driver lose their entitlement to drive?

    The licensing authority revokes your entitlement to drive if, for example, you accumulate more than 20 penalty points within the first year after your first driving licence is issued. Revocation also applies if you commit a criminal road safety offence or three of the traffic offences specified in the law during your probationary period.

  • Where can I check the rules on probationary periods?

    Information current as of 5 September 2026. See the official Polish Police guidance on the changes introduced on 3 September 2026 (in Polish).

PKK, Medical Exams, Photos and Documents

  • What is a PKK?

    A PKK, or Candidate Driver Profile, is an electronic profile that identifies a person applying for a driving licence. It's used by, among others, the authority, the driving school, and the exam centre.

  • How do I get a PKK step by step?

    Complete a medical exam, prepare a current photo and the other required documents, then submit an application to have a driving licence issued at the authority responsible for your place of residence. Once your profile is created, you'll receive a unique PKK number.

  • What documents are needed to get a PKK?

    You'll usually need an application for a driving licence, a medical certificate, a current photo, and an ID document. If you already hold a driving licence and are applying for another category, you may also need a copy of your existing document. A minor must also provide parental or guardian consent.

  • Where do you submit a PKK application?

    The application is submitted to the district authority (starostwo powiatowe) responsible for your place of residence, the city office for cities with district rights, or the relevant district office in Warsaw.

  • How long does it take to get a PKK number?

    If the application is complete, a PKK number can be issued immediately. If the authority needs to verify the data, this usually takes up to 2 days. Cases requiring additional clarification may take longer.

  • What kind of photo is needed for a driving licence?

    The photo should be in colour, clear, taken against a plain light background, and measure 35 × 45 mm. The face should take up around 70–80% of the photo, with the person looking straight ahead, eyes open, and a natural expression.

  • How old can the photo for a driving licence be?

    The photo should be current and taken no earlier than 6 months before the application is submitted.

  • How much does the medical exam for a driving licence cost?

    The law provides that the fee for a driver candidate's medical exam performed by an authorised doctor cannot exceed PLN 200. It's worth confirming the price and scope of the exam before your appointment.

  • Is a psychological examination needed for a category B licence?

    Normally, a category B candidate needs a medical certificate but not a psychological one. A psychological examination may be required in special cases, for example following a referral from the relevant authority.

  • Can I change driving schools partway through a course?

    Yes. The current school must settle the training already provided, hand over the required documentation, and release the PKK profile so it can be picked up by the new training centre.

The Theory Exam

  • What does the category B theory exam look like?

    The exam is taken on a computer and lasts 25 minutes. It includes 32 questions: 20 on basic knowledge and 12 on knowledge specific to the chosen licence category.

  • How many questions are on the category B theory exam?

    The theory exam has 32 questions: 20 questions on basic knowledge and 12 questions on specialist knowledge for category B.

  • How many points do you need to pass the theory exam?

    The maximum score is 74 points. You need at least 68 points to get a passing result.

  • Can you go back to earlier questions during the theory exam?

    No. The exam system doesn't allow you to return to questions you've already been shown.

  • How do I book the theory exam?

    You need an active PKK number to book. You can reserve a slot at your chosen exam centre, and many centres also allow booking online. You need to pay the relevant fee before the exam.

  • Can the driving licence theory exam be taken in English?

    Yes. The Lower Silesian Traffic Safety Centre (DORD) offers theory exams in, among other languages, English. Other language versions are also available for category B; it's worth checking the current list at your chosen branch before booking.

The Practical Exam

  • What does the category B practical exam look like?

    The exam includes a check of your readiness to drive and of selected parts of the vehicle, tasks on the manoeuvring yard, and driving in traffic. The examiner assesses safety, awareness of your surroundings, compliance with the rules, and correct execution of manoeuvres.

  • What tasks are on the manoeuvring yard for the category B exam?

    For category B, the yard tasks include checking your readiness to drive and selected technical parts of the vehicle, driving forward and backward within a lane, and pulling away on an incline.

  • How long does the category B practical exam take?

    The minimum driving time in traffic for category B is 40 minutes. The examiner may end the exam after 25 minutes of driving if all required tasks have been completed and the result is a pass. On top of this comes the activities and tasks carried out before setting off.

  • How much does the category B driving exam cost in Wrocław?

    According to the current DORD price list, the theory exam costs PLN 55 and the category B practical exam costs PLN 222. The fee is paid for every attempt. You'll find a full breakdown of all the fees, not just exam fees, in our article on driving licence costs.

  • Can I take the exam in a car from my driving school?

    Yes. At the request of, and at the cost of, the person taking the exam, the practical part can be carried out in a vehicle from the driver training centre. You need to arrange the car's availability with the school in advance and complete the formalities required by the exam centre.

  • Can an instructor be present during the practical exam?

    You can submit a request to have the practical exam carried out in the presence of an instructor. Check the detailed conditions and the form required at the exam centre where you're taking the exam.

  • What should I do after failing the practical exam?

    You can book another date and pay the fee again. Before your next attempt, it's worth analysing the reason for the negative result and, if needed, booking some extra lessons.

  • Do I have to book extra lessons after failing an exam?

    As a rule, there's no obligation to book extra hours after every failed exam. Extra lessons are, however, often useful if you want to work on the mistakes pointed out during the exam.

Manual and Automatic Transmission

  • Can I take the course and exam in an automatic?

    Yes. Both the course and the category B practical exam can be done in a car with automatic transmission.

  • What does code 78 mean on a driving licence?

    Code 78 means the licence is restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission. It's added if the category B practical exam was passed in a car with automatic transmission.

  • Can I drive a manual car after passing the exam in an automatic?

    No. A driving licence with code 78 only allows you to drive vehicles with automatic transmission.

  • Can I drive an automatic after passing the exam in a manual?

    Yes. Passing the exam in a car with manual transmission lets you drive both manual and automatic cars.

  • Manual or automatic for your driving course – which should you choose?

    A manual gives you broader entitlements, since passing the exam also lets you drive an automatic. An automatic makes handling the car easier during training and the exam, but once you pass, you'll get code 78, restricting you to automatic vehicles.

The Cost of a Driving Licence

  • How much does a category B driving licence really cost in Wrocław?

    The total cost includes the course price, the medical exam, the photo, the state exams, issuing the document, and any extra lessons or repeat exam attempts. That's why the course price on its own isn't the full cost of getting a driving licence. See our full breakdown with example scenarios - including the cost of extra lessons and a repeat exam.

  • What's included in the total cost of a category B driving licence?

    You usually need to factor in the course, the medical exam, the photo, the theory and practical exam fees, issuing the document, and possible costs for extra lessons, repeat exams, or using the school's car for the exam. You'll find a detailed table of every item in our article on driving licence costs.

  • Does the course price include the state exams?

    Usually not. The theory and practical exam fees are paid separately at the exam centre. Check the exact scope of the course price in your agreement with the driving school.

  • How much does issuing a driving licence cost?

    The fee for issuing the driving licence document is currently PLN 100, paid into the relevant authority's account.

  • What costs can increase the final price of a driving licence?

    The final price can go up due to extra driving hours, repeat theory or practical exams, using the school's car for the exam, and other services included in the school's price list.

  • Do you have to pay again for every repeat exam attempt?

    Yes. Every repeat attempt at the theory or practical exam requires paying the relevant exam fee again.

After Passing the Exam and Collecting the Licence

  • Can I drive a car immediately after passing my driving exam?

    If you're over 18 and, after passing the exam, a Temporary Electronic Driving Licence appears in the mObywatel app, you can drive in Poland for the validity period of that document. A positive exam result alone, without an active entitlement, isn't enough. For category B, the temporary licence isn't available to someone who wasn't yet 18 on the day of the exam. This is the final stage described in the step-by-step guide.

  • What is the Temporary Electronic Driving Licence in mObywatel?

    It's a digital document available in the mObywatel app that, once conditions are met, lets you drive before you've collected the plastic driving licence. It's valid for 30 days from the day you pass the exam and only works within Poland.

  • How long does it take to get your driving licence after passing the exam?

    The document should normally be ready for collection within 9 working days from the day the authority receives confirmation of the required payment. Cases requiring additional clarification may take longer.

  • How do I check if my driving licence is ready for collection?

    You can check the document's preparation status through the Info-Car service by providing the required details, including your PESEL number, first name, and surname.

  • Do I still need the plastic driving licence if I have mPrawo Jazdy?

    Yes. mPrawo Jazdy is a digital version of the document and doesn't replace the process of having the traditional driving licence issued. The Temporary Electronic Driving Licence is, in addition, a time-limited document, valid for 30 days.

Foreign Nationals and Driving Licences in Poland

  • Can a foreign national get a category B driving licence in Poland?

    Yes, provided they meet the residency requirements in Poland along with the other requirements, such as the appropriate age, a medical certificate, training, and exams. As a rule, a person applying for a Polish driving licence should live in Poland for at least 185 days a year.

  • Can a foreigner take the theory exam in English in Wrocław?

    Yes. DORD offers the theory exam in English. It's worth checking the current availability of the language version at your chosen branch before booking.

  • Can a foreign national have an interpreter at the practical driving exam?

    Yes. If the person taking the exam doesn't know Polish well enough for the exam to be conducted in it, regulations allow for a sworn interpreter, arranged by the person taking the exam. It's worth settling the organisational details with the exam centre in advance.

PrawkoStart.pl and Choosing a Driving School

  • Is PrawkoStart.pl a driving school?

    No. PrawkoStart.pl is an independent information website describing the process of getting a category B driving licence, the required documents, training, exams, and costs.

  • Can I enrol in a course through PrawkoStart.pl?

    PrawkoStart.pl doesn't run courses or take enrolments. Registration, availability, and class schedules need to be confirmed directly with your chosen driving school.

  • What should I look out for when choosing a driving school?

    It's worth checking the full price and scope of the course, instructor availability, waiting time for lessons, the type of cars used, payment terms, the cost of extra hours, and the rules for changing instructors or breaking off training.

  • What should I ask a driving school before enrolling in a course?

    Ask above all about the realistic start date for lessons, how often practical classes take place, the number of instructors and cars, exactly what's included in the price, the cost of an extra hour, payment terms, and whether you can change instructors.

  • Is the cheapest driving school always the best choice?

    Not always. A low price may not cover all the services, or may come with a longer wait for lessons. Before signing an agreement, it's worth comparing the full scope of training and any possible extra fees.
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Sources and legal basis

These sources explain the legal basis for the guidance on this page. ELI links lead to official publications and any available updated texts and amendments. Check the rules that apply to the date you obtained your licence, including transitional provisions. The legal texts are in Polish; the English titles below are descriptive translations.

Sources checked on 5 September 2026.