Polish driving theory test in English

Poland's official driving theory exam, run by the WORD examination centres, has been available in English for years. This guide explains the format, the pass mark, how to prepare, what test day looks like and what to do if you don't pass on the first attempt.

Exam format

The theory exam is computer-based, multiple choice, and lasts 25 minutes. You answer 32 questions split into two parts:

Part 1 — 20 basic questions on road rules, signs and safe driving practice. Each question is either TAK (yes) or NIE (no) and you have 20 seconds to read plus 15 seconds to decide.

Part 2 — 12 specialised questions, each with three answer options (A/B/C). You have 50 seconds total per question. Some specialised questions are short video clips.

Questions are weighted: basic questions are worth 1, 2 or 3 points; specialised questions are worth 1 or 2 points. The maximum total is 74 points.

What's the pass mark

You pass if you score at least 68 out of 74 points. There is no time-bank — once your screen advances to the next question, you cannot go back.

Available languages

Polish, English, German and (in some centres) Ukrainian and Russian. You select your language when you book and again on screen at the exam.

The English wording matches the Polish source closely; some phrases sound formal because they're translated from the legal text. This is the main reason it pays to practise from English question banks before the exam.

How to prepare

Two things work together: classroom lectures and online practice. The classroom gives you the framework (signs, priority, manoeuvres); the practice tests teach you the specific phrasing you'll see on screen at WORD.

Aim to consistently score 90%+ on full mock tests in English before booking the real exam. Most students reach that level in 2 to 3 weeks of regular practice.

Test day

Bring your passport or residence card. Arrive 15 minutes early. WORD staff check ID, assign you to a computer, you select English, sit down and start. Headphones are usually provided for the video questions.

If you don't pass

You can book a retake immediately — same WORD centre, slot depending on availability. There is no waiting period between attempts and no maximum number of attempts (each one is paid separately).

Where to get coached

Warsaw Driving School runs theory classes in English and gives you English-language question banks for practice. If you want, we book the WORD exam slot for you and confirm the language setting. Contact us for the next course start date.