A driver’s medical examination in Poland and psychological tests for Code 95 are mandatory initial procedures for obtaining permission to drive heavy goods vehicles in the EU. The medical commission checks general health, vision, and hearing, while psychological testing assesses reaction speed and the ability to work under stressful conditions. For foreigners, the process is maximally adapted: forms are translated into several languages, and certificates are issued for 5 years, after which they become the basis for opening a PKZ profile and further legalization of the driver.
Every long-haul driver knows that working as a driver in Poland and other EU countries is impossible without perfect order in their documents. But before you start studying the tachograph or cargo securing rules, European law will require you to confirm your physical and psychological fitness.
In 2026–2027, control over the health status of heavy vehicle drivers remains strict. Transport companies entrust you with equipment worth hundreds of thousands of euros and cargo worth millions, so a medical examination for a long-haul driver is not just a formality. It is a real admission to the profession.
In this article, as practical experts, we will explain exactly how examinations are conducted, what awaits you in the psychologist’s office, what documents you need to bring with you, and how these medical certificates affect your future Residence permit in Poland.
According to Polish law, any driver of categories C, C+E, D, D+E must regularly confirm their health. This process is divided into two independent but mandatory stages.
It is conducted by an occupational medicine physician (lekarz medycyny pracy) specializing in the transport sector.
What is checked:
In practice: If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to bring them with you. The doctor will make a corresponding note on the certificate (e.g., code 01.01), and you will be obliged to drive a truck only with glasses. This is absolutely normal and not an obstacle to work.
Psychological tests for Code 95 raise the most questions among newcomers. There’s no need to fear them – they check your mechanical reactions, not deep personality traits.
How the test is conducted:
Language barrier: Foreigners often worry that they won’t understand the psychologist’s questions. In 2026, this process is fully adapted. In most clinics, written tests are available in Russian and Ukrainian. If questions are asked orally, assistance from an assistant or translator (often a representative of the driving school) is allowed.
To pass the examination quickly and without delays, prepare the following package:
The period for which medical and psychological certificates are issued depends on the driver’s age:
These deadlines are fully synchronized with the validity period of the European Code 95 certificate.
Many drivers view the medical examination as an isolated procedure. However, driver documents in Europe function as a single ecosystem.
The legalization chain looks like this:
New rules and deadlines for Residence permit
Today, the topic of migration is actively discussed. New rules for Residence permit in Poland are planned, aimed at digitalization and transferring document management to the e-Pobyt portal. As part of these discussions, the goal of Residence permit in 60 days in Poland has been announced.
Important legal clarification: At the time of preparing this material, this is a planned target period, not a guaranteed result for every applicant. The exact processing times (when you will receive a Residence permit in Poland for foreigners) continue to depend on the workload of the specific Voivodeship Office. But one thing remains unchanged: a Residence card for working as a driver will not be issued to you if your case does not include a valid medical certificate and an up-to-date Code 95. The inspector will simply suspend the case.
Experienced doctors and instructors highlight typical mistakes that cause candidates to fail tests on the first attempt:
Independently searching for occupational medicine clinics in a foreign country, making appointments, and trying to communicate with the reception in Polish is stressful and time-consuming.
At U Marka driving school, we have solved this problem for our students.
We guarantee that your start in the profession will be comfortable, legal, and legally sound.
Medical examination and psychological tests are the starting point of your career on EU roads. Approach these procedures responsibly: get plenty of rest before the check-up, and don’t forget your glasses and necessary documents. Successfully passing the medical checks opens your path to training, obtaining certificates, and ultimately, a legal Residence permit for drivers in Poland. Prepare for the profession wisely and entrust your training to professionals who organize the process “turnkey.”
No. According to current information and European directives, only certificates issued by occupational medicine physicians in Poland are accepted for working in a Polish Transport company and obtaining a Polish Code 95.
You will be given time to rest (15–20 minutes) and offered to try again. If the results remain unsatisfactory, the doctor may refer you for a more in-depth examination by an ophthalmologist. Most often, the problem is solved by selecting the correct glasses for night driving.
If you have already signed a preliminary contract with a Polish company, by law the employer is obliged to issue a referral (Skierowanie) and cover the costs of the initial medical examination. If you are preparing documents independently before employment (to have a ready package), you pay for the examination yourself (about 300–400 PLN for the complex).
No. To undergo a medical examination and psychological tests, your international passport and a document confirming legal border crossing (biometrics or a valid visa) are sufficient. A Residence card in Poland is not required at this stage.
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