How to become a Bolt, Uber or Freenow driver in Poland
Taxi work requires a Polish-issued driving licence, including for holders of earlier EU/EEA documents.
Driver and taxi licence
Taxi work requires a Polish-issued driving licence, including for holders of earlier EU/EEA documents. Criminal-record checks and current medical and psychological fitness certificates also apply. The carrier obtains a taxi licence from the competent municipal authority. It is distinct from the passenger-car transport licence issued by a starosta. Platform rules apply separately; there is no blanket “21 years old and three years of driving” rule for category B taxi work.
Sources: Ustawa o transporcie drogowym · GITD — polskie prawo jazdy
Vehicle extract and licence area
The competent authority issues the vehicle extract on the carrier’s application. A partner hands it to the driver rather than issuing it. A taxi licence covers its named municipality, municipalities under an agreement, or Warsaw. Taking a passenger outside does not grant unrestricted local pickup rights; Article 6 sets specific exceptions. Renting a car or registering in an app does not replace the required authorisations.
Sources: Ustawa — art. 6
Examinations and documents
Authorised specialists perform medical and psychological examinations. For road transport the general interval is 5 years up to age 60, then 30 months; a certificate may specify a shorter period. Ask the provider about the total price, documents, glasses and preparation, including possible laboratory tests. Do not assume one price list or universal preparation instructions. Arrange renewal before expiry.
Sources: Ustawa — art. 39j–39k
Model, year and vehicle documents
Uber publishes UberX from 2005, Comfort from 2018 and Black from 2020. Bolt lists maximum ages of 20 years for basic vehicles and 10 for Comfort/Premium. Eligibility also depends on city model lists, seats/doors, condition and driver requirements. Confirm the specific car before renting. Taxi documents and markings, inspection, OC and the correct extract require separate checks.
Sources: Uber — pojazdy · Bolt — pojazdy
What the agreement must clarify
Clarify rent and its VAT basis, mileage limits and surcharges, servicing, tyres, insurance, deductibles, damage, downtime, replacement cars, termination and deposit return in writing. Verify the counterparty’s right to supply the car; they need not own it. A photographed handover record documents condition, mileage, fuel and equipment. Agreements operate within the law and cannot override mandatory rules.
Sources: Kodeks cywilny