Changing my UK driving license to Polish one

Karl1983Threads: 6 Posts: 59 Joined: Feb 28, 10 ♂	Aug 22, 10, 19:45 #1
Hi Does anyone on here know the procedure for changing your UK driving license to a Polish one. For example, where do you go? What forms you need? Do you take both plastic and paper etc? Thank you for your help I want to change it over as I intend to stay here.

delphiandomineThreads: 42 Posts: 9,954 Joined: Nov 25, 08 ♂ [Suspended]	Aug 22, 10, 19:56 #2
There's absolutely no point in doing so - the UK licence is valid until it expires. You'll have to update your photocard every 10 years, but apart from that - why bother?

Karl1983Threads: 6 Posts: 59 Joined: Feb 28, 10 ♂	Aug 22, 10, 19:58 #3
I don't undersatnd, why do Poles in the UK swap over their licenses then? I heard that it needs changing after 6 months if you are a resident. Anyway back to the original post does anyone know where to go to change over the license and what forms are required. Thank you

♂ [Suspended]

Aug 22, 10, 20:04 #4

Karl1983:

I don't undersatnd, why do Poles in the UK swap over their licenses then? I heard that it needs changing after 6 months if you are a resident. Anyway back to the original post does anyone know where to go to change over the license and what forms are required. Thank you

Beats me, there's no requirement for them to do so. In fact, I wonder why they would bother - especially as they can get points on a UK licence and not on a Polish one when driving in the UK.

You'll need to have the EU 5 year residence permit, your registration of address and a couple of other forms. It's painless, but absolutely pointless for you to do so - there is no obligation whatsoever.

Karl1983Threads: 6 Posts: 59 Joined: Feb 28, 10 ♂	Aug 22, 10, 20:08 #5
Interesting I was watching a police programme the other day and they stated that they can not do anything to a Polish person with a Polish license, it is a ghost license?? Anyway thank you very much for the help. Just one last question is this free to do? Thanks

♂ [Suspended]

Aug 22, 10, 20:10 #6

Karl1983:

Interesting I was watching a police programme the other day and they stated that they can not do anything to a Polish person with a Polish license, it is a ghost license?? Anyway thank you very much for the help. Just one last question is this free to do? Thanks

They can - they take them to court as a matter of procedure, rather than being given a fixed penalty. They're also likely to get much worse than a 60 pounds fine. But no, the UK doesn't have ghost licences.

And no, it's not free to do, there will be some fees involved. You can also expect them to thoroughly question why you're bothering to do such a thing.

Karl1983Threads: 6 Posts: 59 Joined: Feb 28, 10 ♂	Edited by: Karl1983 Aug 22, 10, 20:14 #7
OK do you go to the Ratusz to fill in the forms I was told on the phone by a Polish friend that you have to change it after 6 months. It costs 80 zloty he disagreed that there is a number of questions to answer it is a simple process by all accounts!

Karl1983Threads: 6 Posts: 59 Joined: Feb 28, 10 ♂	Aug 26, 10, 17:21 #8
FYI Delph From the DVLA Do I have to exchange my EU licence? You do not have to exchange it if you hold a EU licence or until you are a resident in the UK for a year or more. However, it is advisable to exchange it as in the event of any issues resulting in conviction, a UK Court is more likely to impose a disqualification if the licence held is not one that can be endorsed.

♂ [Suspended]

Edited by: delphiandomine Aug 26, 10, 17:46 #9

Karl1983:

However, it is advisable to exchange it as in the event of any issues resulting in conviction, a UK Court is more likely to impose a disqualification if the licence held is not one that can be endorsed.

Yes, they can't issue fixed penalties to non-British licences.

But it changes nothing - they can issue fixed penalties (well, technically, on-the-spot fines are deposits towards the fine when it gets heard in court - conveniently, the court will always issue a fine to be equal to the "deposit") in Poland to non-Polish licences, so what the DVLA says means nothing, except confirming that EU licences don't have to be exchanged.

Karl1983Threads: 6 Posts: 59 Joined: Feb 28, 10 ♂	Aug 26, 10, 18:28 #10
I agree with the DVLA that it is advisable to exchange it. Furthermore you have to inform the DVLA of a change of address, they do not issue a license to a non UK address, how can you have a UK license in Poland then. If you are a resident in Poland with a UK license and don't change it then surely you have witheld information from the DVLA?

kumark	Nov 28, 10, 17:36 #11
Merged thread: About Driving Lisence Hi to all. I m resident of poland but pakistan national. I want to make driving lisence on bahalf of pakistan lisence UK rule. Can any one guide me what is procedure to get lisence on behalf of my existing lisence. I have obtained karta pobytu tymczasowego in august. awaiting reponse pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

PrusakowskiThreads: - Posts: 34 Joined: Nov 15, 09 ♂	Dec 23, 10, 17:18 #12
kumark: Hi to all. I m resident of poland but pakistan national. I want to make driving lisence on bahalf of pakistan lisence UK rule. Poles are not tolerated driving in Pakistan for being white and /or Christian. Your Islamic brothers harass them Kumar. Do you think that approach should be equally applied in your case ?

convexThreads: 46 Posts: 7,185 Joined: Nov 25, 09 ♂	Dec 23, 10, 17:32 #13
kumark: Hi to all. I m resident of poland but pakistan national. I want to make driving lisence on bahalf of pakistan lisence UK rule. You would have to get your license in the UK first, then you could drive over here. I don't think that Poland recognizes Pakistani licenses for residents. You might be able to get a written test or skills test waiver based on it though.

Lodz_The_BoatThreads: 58 Posts: 2,314 Joined: Sep 7, 08 ♂	Dec 23, 10, 18:49 #14
We need safer roads. Some people try to blemish the driving skills of Poles, but I would say that we love to drive as free birds, with very smooth skills.

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