Study materials
Probation period and penalty points
A first category B licence from September 2026 means a probation period. What applies, what you risk and what is a myth.
Step by step
- The probation period lasts 2 years and applies to those who get category B for the first time from September 2026.
- Got your licence at 17? The probation period lasts 3 years, at most until your 20th birthday.
- The whole time, 0.0 per mille applies. Any alcohol means losing your licence.
- More than 12 penalty points: mandatory training at a driving technique centre (PLN 500). Two serious offences: the probation period is extended by 2 years.
- More than 20 points in the first year: your licence is revoked and you start all over again.
Check the current probation rules and the penalty point tariff on gov.pl.
Worth knowing
Myth: for the first months you must display a green leaf and drive slower. The new probation rules have neither the leaf nor separate speed limits. The old rules never came into force.
Source: Act on Vehicle Drivers, art. 91–95 (Dz.U. 2025 item 1676)
In 2025 the fewest people in history died on Polish roads; in 2016 there were 45% more victims. Speed is behind 53.7% of the deaths in young drivers' accidents.
Source: Police, "Road accidents in Poland in 2025"; European Commission (24.03.2026)
You don't have to carry your licence (since 2020), but take the plastic document abroad.
Source: Road Traffic Law, art. 38; gov.pl
Content checked on 5/10/2026. Rules and fees change — find what is current at the office, the WORD or on gov.pl.