Poland introduces stricter licence rules and exam overhaul effective September

From 3 September 2026 Poland will apply a new package of driver‑licence regulations. All newly licensed drivers will face a zero‑alcohol limit, a mandatory 2‑year trial period (extended to 3 years for 17‑year‑old licence holders) and harsher penalties for violations. Exceeding 12 penalty points during the trial triggers a mandatory safety course, while two serious offences can extend the trial by two years and a third offence or a felony can lead to immediate licence suspension. Driving with a revoked licence may result in a revocation of all driving rights for up to five years.

At the same time the Ministry of Infrastructure will reform the practical exam. The manoeuvre‑test area will be removed, theory questions will be reduced and made publicly available, and a new central Exam Centre will replace the existing commission. An advisory council of driving instructors, examiners, police and road‑safety officials will guide the new curriculum, emphasizing assessment of real‑traffic skills over isolated manoeuvres.