17-Year-Olds Behind the Wheel? Warsaw’s Lauto Driving School Answers Students’ Questions

When Roman completed his driving course in Warsaw, he was just shy of 17. He then passed his driving tests at the Warsaw Driving School (WORD) and—after turning 17—received his dream category B license. Without hesitation, he got behind the wheel. He had previously met Klaudia, whom he decided to take on a date to celebrate getting his license. He had a surprise in the car that nearly gave her a heart attack.

That evening, Roman drove up to her house. He met her with a bouquet of roses and then opened the back door of the car. As soon as she settled into the backseat, she looked ahead and let out a shriek as if she’d seen a ghost. As it turned out, an old man was sitting in the front passenger seat, reading a newspaper. The man turned to the girl as if nothing had happened and, with a smile on his face, waved hello.

“Who is this gentleman?” she asked in a trembling voice.

„This is my Grandpa Antoni,” the boy replied, getting behind the wheel. „He’ll come with us, but don’t worry about him.”

„Hello, miss,” the older gentleman said, still looking at the girl from behind the front seat. „Please ignore me. I won’t bother you.”

„Is this some kind of joke?” the girl continued, unable to hide her shock and embarrassment. „What is this man doing here? Tell me this is a joke… No? I thought we were going on a date alone… What kind of man are you if you need your grandfather’s care?”

Before we reveal what Romek answered, let’s move on to the students’ questions about obtaining category B at the age of 17…

Here are 12 questions students have about getting their 17-year-old driver’s license. A driving school in Warsaw answers them.

Why was the age for category B lowered from 18 to 17?

This stems from the crisis currently affecting the European Union, which is a shortage of professional drivers. To address this, the age for obtaining a driving license for all categories is being lowered so that young drivers can obtain their truck and bus licenses earlier. Soon, 20-year-olds will be driving trucks, and 18-year-olds will be driving buses.

When will these regulations come into force?

This will take place three months after the publication of the Act of October 17, 2025, amending the Road Traffic Act and certain other acts, which entered into force on December 2, 2025. Therefore, the new regulations will apply from March 3, 2026. This means that from that date, juvenile learners will be able to take an earlier course at a driving school in Warsaw.

When is the earliest you can get a category B driving license?

The earliest you can start a driving course at a Warsaw driving school is three months before turning 17. Young learners will be able to take the Category B exam one month before turning 17. If they pass, they will receive their license on their 17th birthday at the earliest.

What are the disadvantages of getting a driving license at this age?

The biggest disadvantage may be the psychophysical immaturity of young learners, which, combined with reckless driving, may lead to a tragic accident on the road.

What are the advantages of getting a driving license at this age?

We definitely see more advantages to this solution than disadvantages. Young drivers will be mentored by an experienced driver for six months, which will improve road safety. Furthermore, knowledge is absorbed more quickly at this age, accelerating their learning. Young drivers will earn a driving license, which will expand their job opportunities and relieve their parents’ burdens in situations like picking up their sister from school. Transport companies are already popping the champagne corks, as the problem of the professional driver shortage will be addressed to some extent.

Will parental consent be required?

Of course, the consent of parents or legal guardians will be required, just as was the case when obtaining a driving license 3 months before reaching the age of majority.

Will it be possible to drive a car independently?

Underage drivers will be accompanied by a guardian for the first six months after obtaining their license or until they turn 18. The law specifies that this guardian must be at least 25 years old with five years of driving experience. These restrictions do not apply to driving school instructors or driving examiners from the Provincial Road Traffic Control (WORD), whose age may be lower. This guardian will sit in the front seat while the underage driver is driving. They must be sober and not be subject to a driving ban, either now or within the last five years. The law also specifies that underage drivers will be permitted to drive only within Poland until they turn 18.

Will there be a trial period?

As with 18-year-olds, there will also be a similar period here. However, for 18-year-olds it is 2 years, and for 17-year-olds it will be 3 years, or less if they turn 20 earlier.

What other restrictions will apply to 17-year-olds on probation?

First, a zero substance limit will apply. This means they will not be allowed to drive with even the minimum blood alcohol level or substances with similar effects. Second, they will not be allowed to transport minors without the presence of an experienced driver. Third, they will not be allowed to engage in commercial transport of passengers or goods.

Will there be penalty point limits during the probationary period?

If 17-year-olds exceed 12 penalty points, they will be required to complete mandatory practical training at a driving improvement center to address road hazards. Under the Act, this training will last one hour and cost a maximum of PLN 500.

Will there be speed limits during the trial period?

In built-up areas, 17-year-olds will have to drive no faster than 50 km/h, outside it no faster than 80 km/h, and on motorways and expressways they will be able to drive at a maximum speed of 100 km/h.

When can 17-year-olds expect their probation period to be extended?

If they commit a safety violation twice, however, if they commit the same violation twice again, they will lose their license.

Summary: A Warsaw driving school reveals whether a driving license for 17-year-olds is a good idea.

Let’s return to the story from the first paragraph. When Klaudia got into Roman’s car, she was shocked to find his grandfather, Antoni, sitting in the front passenger seat. He explained to her that these were the rules: he got his license at 17, and if he wanted to drive, he had to be accompanied by an experienced driver.

The rest of their date, however, turned out to be happier for Klaudia. First, she and Roman went to grab a bite to eat at the mall (while Grandpa Antoni was at the local cinema watching a war film), and then they went to the cinema to see a romantic comedy (while Grandpa was having vegan pizza). In short, everyone was satisfied.

Grandpa’s presence had a positive effect on Romek. The boy didn’t show off behind the wheel—he eased his heavy foot off the gas pedal and drove safely. As it soon turned out, things were even better. By the time they reached Klaudia’s house, Grandpa had dozed off, and the young couple were able to treat themselves to a farewell kiss.

“Thanks, Romek, for a wonderful evening!” the girl said cheerfully and disappeared into her house, the boy glad he had returned her in one piece.

Will a driving license for 17-year-olds be a hit? We don’t know for sure, but in our opinion—that of the „Lauto” driving school in Warsaw —the decision to grant licenses to young drivers has far more advantages than disadvantages and will positively impact road safety.