EU Driving Licence Rules Change: Poles Abroad Can Take Polish Test in Some Cases

In brief

• New EU rules let some Poles living in other EU countries take the Polish category B driving test.
• The change follows Directive 2025/2205 and aims to modernise licences and harmonise national systems.
• Access depends on a specific condition, so not all residents abroad qualify.

Who can benefit

Under rules approved in Brussels, Poles who permanently live in Germany, the Netherlands and other EU member states may in some cases take the driving test in Poland. The change applies to the first category B licence for passenger cars and targets people living outside the country of their citizenship (UE wprowadza nowe przepisy dotyczące prawa jazdy. To wielka zmiana dla Polaków za granicą – Polski Obserwator DE). The arrangement is not open to everyone, because a specific condition decides whether it applies.

The legal basis

The changes stem from Directive 2025/2205, adopted by the European Union. It introduces several updates to how driving licences are issued across the bloc. The stated aims are to modernise the document, improve road safety and narrow differences between national systems (Unia Europejska przygotowuje nowe przepisy dotyczące przedłużania ważności praw jazdy – The Portugal News).

Wider reform

Beyond the cross-border access rule, the reform covers digitisation of documents, new validity periods and stricter requirements for newly licensed drivers. It also covers people preparing for their first drive, not only experienced motorists. The goal is easier movement by car between member states through greater consistency in recognising licences.

What it means for Poles abroad

For the affected group, the main gain is avoiding one of the largest obstacles faced when applying for a licence outside Poland. Those who do not meet the condition will stay under the existing rules in their country of residence.