Poland Category D1 Theory Test cheat sheet

In Poland traffic keeps to the right; overtaking is normally performed on the left, except when the vehicle ahead signals a left turn and there is room to pass on the right.

Built-up area default speed limit is 50 km/h day and night; outside built-up areas it is 90 km/h, and on dual carriageways and motorways 140 km/h unless signs state otherwise.

Minimum following distance outside built-up areas: at least half the speedometer reading in metres (e.g. 90 km/h → 45 m); inside built-up areas a 3-second gap is the reference.

Pedestrian at a zebra crossing has priority; the driver must slow down or stop, and overtaking another vehicle at a crossing is prohibited.

A child under 15 years and 150 cm tall must travel in a child restraint; on the front seat a child under 12 or shorter than 150 cm may not sit facing forward without an approved seat.

Level crossing: a flashing red light, lowered barriers or a closing barrier mean absolute stop; a white-and-red St Andrew's cross marks the stopping place before the tracks.

Roundabout without signs: entering vehicle yields to traffic already on the roundabout; a sign A-7 (give way) or B-1 (stop) confirms the priority rule.

Emergency corridor (korytarz życia): when traffic queues on a multi-lane road, drivers move to the outer edges to open a lane for emergency vehicles; failure is an offence.

Category D1 covers buses with 9 to 17 seats including the driver's seat, with maximum authorised mass up to 7500 kg, optionally with a trailer up to 750 kg.

D1 requires a medical certificate, a category B licence held beforehand, and the driver must be at least 21 years old (24 for D1+E in some cases).

Air-brake systems: pressure must build to the operating range (typically 6–8 bar) before moving; a low-pressure warning buzzer or lamp means do not drive.

D1 buses are typically fitted with a tachograph; drivers must record activity and observe daily driving limits (9 h, extendable to 10 h twice a week) and a 45-minute break after 4.5 h driving.

Pre-trip check: tyres (tread depth min. 1.6 mm for cars, 3 mm for buses is recommended in Poland for D categories), lights, mirrors, wipers, brake fluid, oil, coolant, and emergency equipment.

D1 vehicle maximum authorised mass up to 7500 kg means the driver must respect axle loads and overall weight shown on the vehicle plate; overload is an offence.

When reversing a bus, use mirrors and where possible a guide; the reversing alarm and rear camera do not replace direct observation.

Passenger door interlocks: the bus must not move with doors open; the door-open warning lamp must be checked before departure.

Polish road signs are grouped: A (warning), B (prohibition), C (mandatory), D (information), E (supplementary), F (service), G (road works).

A-7 'ustąp pierwszeństwa' (give way) is a downward-pointing triangle; B-1 'stop' is an octagon and requires a full stop at the line.

B-36 prohibits stopping; B-35 prohibits parking; the difference matters for penalty points and towing.

Traffic light signals: steady red = stop; flashing yellow alone = proceed with caution; green arrow permits movement only in the arrow direction.

A flashing red at a level crossing or a flashing red light on a signal means stop and do not proceed until the signal changes.

Horizontal markings: solid white line = no crossing; broken white line = may cross; double solid = no crossing by either direction.

Blue P sign marks parking; a blue square with a white P and a supplementary plate may restrict time or require a ticket.

Signals by a traffic controller override traffic lights and signs; the controller's arm raised vertically means stop for all directions.

Emergency numbers in Poland: 112 (general), 999 (ambulance), 998 (fire), 997 (police); give location, number of casualties, hazards, and your name.

Scene safety first: switch off engines, apply handbrake, place a warning triangle at the required distance (outside built-up areas at least 30–50 m on ordinary roads, more on motorways), and wear a high-visibility vest.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic, explosion); suspected spinal injury requires immobilisation.

Assess responsiveness (AVPU), breathing, and circulation; if not breathing normally, start CPR at 100–120 compressions per minute, depth 5–6 cm, 30:2 with rescue breaths.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean dressing; use a tourniquet only if pressure fails and note the time applied.

Burns: cool with running water for at least 10–20 minutes, do not remove stuck clothing, do not apply ointments.

Shock signs: pale cold skin, rapid weak pulse, confusion; lay the casualty flat, raise legs if no fracture, keep warm, do not give food or drink.

In Poland there is a legal duty to render assistance and to call emergency services; failure can lead to criminal liability.

Documents to carry: driving licence, vehicle registration, proof of third-party insurance (OC), and for D1 also a valid medical certificate and driver qualification card (karta kwalifikacji kierowcy).

Third-party liability insurance (OC) is mandatory; driving without it can result in a fine from the Guarantee Insurance Fund (Ubezpieczeniowy Fundusz Gwarancyjny).

Drink-driving limit in Poland is 0.2‰ blood alcohol (0.1 mg/l breath); above 0.5‰ is a criminal offence, between 0.2 and 0.5‰ is an administrative offence.

Penalty points (punkty karne) accumulate on the driving record; 24 points within 5 years triggers a licence re-examination.

A D1 driver must hold a valid medical certificate (badanie lekarskie) and a psychological certificate where required for passenger transport.

The driver must report a collision involving injury or significant property damage to the police; minor collisions can be handled with a joint statement (oświadczenie).

Driving licence categories and validity: D1 licence is valid for 5 years; after age 60 the medical certificate is required more frequently.

Professional passenger transport requires a driver qualification card and periodic training (szkolenie okresowe) every 5 years.

Number of passengers must not exceed the number of seats; standing passengers are only allowed where the vehicle is approved for them.

Load must be secured so it cannot shift, fall, or obstruct lights, mirrors, or registration plates; the driver is responsible for load security.

Roof load and rear load must not exceed manufacturer limits; overload affects braking distance and stability.

Passengers must be seated with seat belts fastened where fitted; the driver is responsible for informing passengers of this obligation.

Doors must be closed before moving and opened only when the vehicle is stationary and safe; emergency exits must remain unobstructed.

Transport of dangerous goods in a D1 bus requires ADR compliance; without it, such transport is prohibited.

Children under 15 and 150 cm must use child restraints; a bus without seat belts cannot carry unrestrained children on the front row.

Before departure, check the passenger list, luggage stowage, and that no passenger is standing in the aisle during travel on roads where standing is not permitted.