How to pass the Polish driving theory exam on your first try
Complete walkthrough of the Polish driving theory exam — format, points, registration, fees, study strategies and common mistakes. Updated for May 2026.
1. How the exam works
The Polish driving theory exam (egzamin teoretyczny) is taken at the Provincial Driving Examination Centre (WORD) — not at your driving school. It is fully computerised, on touchscreen workstations.
The exam has 32 questions drawn randomly from the official catalogue of about 1,800 questions per category:
- 20 basic questions — general traffic rules, signs, road behaviour, first aid. Each worth 1 point.
- 12 specialist questions — specific to your category (motorcycle, truck, bus etc.). Worth 2 or 3 points.
Total: 74 points. Passing threshold: 68 points (92%). You can afford to lose at most 6 points. Time limit: 25 minutes (for cat. B). Each question has its own timer: 20 seconds to read, 15 seconds to answer — then the system moves on automatically.
2. Questions and where they come from
All questions come from the official CKK base published on gov.pl. The catalogue is updated yearly. Over 1,300 questions include a short video clip from the driver's perspective — the same videos you will see on the actual exam.
You can browse all questions free at our question bank (English translation available).
3. Registration and fees
To register for the exam you need:
- PKK number (Profil Kandydata na Kierowcę) — issued by the local starostwo (district office) based on a medical certificate and photo. Medical exam costs ~200 PLN.
- Course completion certificate from your driving school (OSK).
- Exam fee paid at WORD.
Fees in 2026:
- Theory exam: 30 PLN (all categories)
- Practical exam, cat. B: 200 PLN
- Practical exam, cat. C/D: 250 PLN
You can register online at info-car.pl or in person at WORD. Wait times: 1-2 weeks normally, up to 6 weeks in peak season (May-September).
4. Language options
The exam is available in Polish, English, German, Russian and Ukrainian. You choose your language when registering. Translations are provided by the Ministry of Infrastructure and match the official Polish version of each question.
5. A 14-day study plan
Most people who fail simply didn't study enough. A realistic plan to cover the full base:
6. Common mistakes
- Right-of-way confusion at unmarked intersections — the "right-hand rule" only applies when no signs are present.
- Mixing up A-7 (yield) and B-20 (stop) — yield = stop only if needed, stop = always come to a full stop.
- Missing negations in questions like "Are you NOT allowed to..."
- Misreading green arrow signals — the arrow gives priority for that direction only.
- First-aid order — adult CPR is 30 compressions / 2 breaths, NOT the reverse.
- Roundabout signalling — right indicator when exiting is mandatory.
- Tapping quickly on video questions — the system records your first tap; you cannot change it.
7. Exam day
Bring:
- ID card or passport
- PKK number
- Payment confirmation
- Glasses/contacts if required
Arrive 15-20 minutes early. After registration you get assigned a workstation. Two practice questions appear first (not counted). Then the real exam: 32 questions, 25 minutes, no going back. Result is shown immediately — pass/fail plus a detailed report of any mistakes.
8. If you fail
About 30% of candidates fail on first attempt — it's normal. You can re-take as many times as you need (30 PLN each). Minimum gap between attempts: 1 day. Get the printed result sheet from the examiner — it shows exactly which questions you got wrong.
Start studying now
All 3,527 official CKK questions in English. Free, no registration.
Open question bank →Source: Polish Road Traffic Law (5 January 2011 Act on Drivers) and Ministry of Infrastructure regulations. Always verify current fees and dates with your local WORD.