WORD Katowice. Where is it located, how to find it, what is the exam like, and what exactly is WORD?
What is WORD Katowice, how do you register for the exam, and what are the theory and practical parts like?
The state exam is the final step on the road to obtaining your own driving licence. For many residents of Chorzów, the place where this step takes place is WORD Katowice at 78 Francuska Street. This is where candidates take the theoretical and practical exams, including for category B.
Anyone can find the address themselves in a few seconds, and no additional article is needed for that. The text was created to explain the differences between an official WORD and ordinary driving schools that have the phrase WORD in their name. So how does WORD operate, and is it a state, local government, or private institution? You will find out in the final part of the article. The beginning and middle contain practical information about how to find it, how to register, etc.
Table of contents
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Is it worth taking additional driving lessons before the exam?
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What is WORD and what does this abbreviation stand for?
- Is WORD a state institution?
- What does WORD do?
- Training to reduce the number of penalty points
- Re-education courses
- Training for professional drivers
- Training for instructors and examiners
- Traffic control training
- Bicycle cards and children's education
- Road traffic safety initiatives
- How is WORD funded?
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- What does the abbreviation WORD stand for?
- How much does a category B exam cost at WORD Katowice?
- Where is WORD Katowice located?
- Can you bring an mObywatel document to the exam?
- How many points do you need to score on the theory exam?
- Does the exam always take place along the same route?
- Is it worth booking additional driving lessons before the exam?
Where is WORD Katowice located?
The Katowice Regional Branch of the WORD is located at:
78 Francuska Street, 40-507 Katowice
The Customer Service Office is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; however, it is advisable to check the current opening hours and announcements published by the center before your visit, especially during holiday periods or organizational changes.
For Chorzów residents, this is one of the closest locations where they can take the state driving test. It is best to arrive with plenty of time to spare, so you can calmly find the correct entrance and prepare your documents, avoiding unnecessary stress.
Can a resident of Chorzów take the exam in Katowice?
Neither the candidate’s place of residence nor the location of the driving school obliges them to take the exam at one specific centre. After completing the training and updating their Driver Candidate Profile, the candidate chooses the examination centre where they wish to take the exam.
For people learning to drive in Chorzów, WORD Katowice is a frequent choice, among other reasons because of its convenient access and the opportunity to prepare for driving in conditions similar to those that may arise during the exam itself.
However, this does not mean that the exam always takes place along one fixed route that can be memorized. The examiner chooses the route depending on the current traffic situation, traffic volume, and the tasks the candidate is required to perform.
How to Register for an Exam at WORD Katowice?
The appointment can be booked via the Info Car portal, referred to by WORD Katowice as the e-Services Portal PUDO Info Driver. The system allows, among other things, for:
- booking exam dates,
- paying the required fees,
- checking the status of the Driver Candidate Profile,
- checking the status of documents,
- viewing statistics on driver training centres.
The date can also be arranged directly at the WORD Customer Service Office.
An active PKK number is required to register. After completing the course, the driving school updates the learner’s profile, enabling the examination center to receive confirmation that the required training has been completed.
Photo: Krzystof Glazer
How much does an exam at WORD Katowice cost?
According to the rates in effect in July 2026, the Category B exam costs:
- theory exam: PLN 57,
- practical exam: PLN 230.
The total cost of both parts is therefore PLN 287. The fee can be paid electronically, by bank transfer, or by payment card directly at the WORD branch. Rates may change based on resolutions adopted by the regional government, so it is worth checking the current price list before registering.
If a candidate fails one of the sections, they must pay for that specific section of the exam again before booking another date.
What documents do you need to bring to the exam?
The most important thing is a valid document confirming your identity. This may include:
- identity card,
- passport,
- residence card,
- document available in the mObywatel app.
The electronic document in the application should be updated on the day of the examination. The examiner may ask you to display the QR code to verify its authenticity.
Before leaving home, it is also worth making sure that the fee has been properly recorded and that the date appears in the system. Anyone who, according to a medical certificate, is required to wear glasses or contact lenses must also use them during the examination.
Lacking a valid identity document may result in being denied admission to the exam, which is why it is one of the most important aspects of the entire preparation process.
What does the theoretical exam look like?
The theory test is conducted on a computer and lasts 25 minutes. The candidate answers a total of 32 questions:
- 20 questions on basic knowledge,
- 12 questions concerning the selected driving licence category.
Questions are worth one, two, or three points, depending on how important they are for road traffic safety. A maximum of 74 points can be scored, and at least 68 points are required for a passing score. It is not possible to return to a skipped question later.
During preparation, it is not worth limiting yourself to memorizing answers. The most important thing is to understand right-of-way rules, the meaning of road signs, how to behave around pedestrians and cyclists, and how to respond in dangerous situations.
After receiving a positive result, the candidate may register for the practical exam.
What Does the Category B Practical Driving Test Look Like?
Before the drive begins, the examiner verifies the candidate’s identity and confirms that their details match the information in the system. The examiner also checks whether the requirements specified in the medical certificate are met, such as the obligation to drive while wearing glasses.
The practical Category B exam includes tasks performed on the maneuvering yard and driving in road traffic.
Preparing the Car for Driving
At the beginning, the candidate may be asked to check one of the safety-related components, for example:
- engine oil level,
- coolant level,
- brake fluid level,
- windscreen washer fluid level,
- operation of selected lights.
Next, you need to prepare properly for driving: adjust the seat, headrest, and mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and make sure the doors are closed.
Tasks in the Maneuvering Area
One of the basic tasks is driving along a traffic lane forwards and backwards. The candidate must control the vehicle’s trajectory, observe the surroundings, and stop the car in the appropriate place.
The second important task is moving off on an incline. The car should not roll back excessively, and the engine should not stall.
City Driving
After successfully completing the tasks on the maneuvering area, the section conducted in road traffic begins. The examiner assesses, among other things:
- obeying road signs and signals,
- checking mirrors and surroundings,
- changing lanes,
- driving through intersections,
- behavior around pedestrians and cyclists,
- adjusting speed to the conditions,
- performing maneuvers,
- making decisions independently and safely.
You don’t need to know all of Katowice by heart. However, you do need to be able to notice signs, lane markings, traffic lights, and the examiner’s instructions in good time.
What car is used for the Category B driving test?
The official list of examination vehicles of the Katowice WORD currently includes, among others, the Skoda Fabia IV with a five-speed manual transmission as a category B car. However, the vehicle list is subject to change, so it is advisable to check it on the WORD website before the examination.
Even if the examination car differs from the vehicle used during the course, the basic principles of operating it remain similar. Before setting off, the candidate has time to adjust the seat and mirrors and familiarize themselves with the location of the most important controls.
How to Prepare for the Driving Test in Katowice?
The best preparation is not learning specific routes, but gaining true independence behind the wheel. The candidate should also be able to find their way on a street they have never encountered before.
During the final hours of the course, it is particularly worth focusing on:
- observing signs and road markings,
- changing lanes at larger intersections,
- correctly positioning yourself in the lane before turning,
- roundabouts and signalized intersections,
- behavior at pedestrian crossings,
- checking blind spots,
- parking,
- calmly following the examiner’s instructions.
Driving at different times of day is also important. Katowice can look completely different during a quiet late morning than during peak traffic hours.
However, there are areas in Katowice where learners should exercise particular caution. These are not deliberately designed “traps,” but places requiring the correct lane choice, careful observation of signs, and quick assessment of the situation.
Departure from the Regional Road Traffic Centre and Francuska Street
The first difficulties may arise immediately after leaving the WORD premises at 78 Francuska Street. The learner driver must immediately monitor pedestrians, cyclists, traffic on the roadway, and the examiner’s instructions. Particular care should be taken when turning onto Francuska Street and approaching the intersection with Ceglana Street.
In this area, it is easy to focus solely on moving off and forget to clearly check the mirrors and blind spot or move into the correct lane early enough.
The area around Górnośląska Street and the A4 motorway
Sample examination routes include the area around Francuska, Ceglana and Górnośląska Streets. Here, the learner driver may encounter heavier traffic, several lanes, short sections designated for changing lanes, and direction signs pointing towards the motorway.
The most important thing is to read the signs and road markings. You should not change lanes abruptly just because the examiner has given an instruction. If performing the maneuver is not safe, you should continue driving in the current lane.
Paderewski Estate
Materials showing example routes often feature Graniczna, Pułaskiego, Sikorskiego, Paderewskiego, and Krasińskiego Streets.
In this area, attention should be paid to:
- pedestrian crossings and bicycle crossings,
- cars obstructing visibility,
- choosing the correct lane before an intersection,
- speed limits,
- pedestrians stepping out from between parked vehicles,
- proper observation when turning.
The large number of pedestrian crossings and intersections means that systematically observing your surroundings is more important than driving fast.
Katowice city centre and the area around Miarka Square
The exam may also take you towards Kościuszki, Poniatowskiego, Ligonia, Jagiellońska, or Powstańców Streets, or Miarka Square. Such streets appear in published sample training routes, but this does not mean that every exam will take place there.
The following require particular attention:
- tram tracks and trams,
- one-way roads,
- bus lanes,
- turn prohibitions,
- directional arrows on lanes,
- pedestrians and cyclists,
- changes in right of way,
- the need to choose the appropriate lane sufficiently early.
A common problem is not a lack of driving skills, but noticing a sign or road marking too late.
Smaller Streets in the Muchowiec and Brynów Areas
On quieter streets, the learner may be asked to park, turn around, or change direction using the road infrastructure. Less traffic does not mean that the section is easier.
You need to be cautious at equal-priority intersections, where visibility is limited, in reduced-speed zones, and around vehicles parked close to intersections. On such roads, the right-hand priority rule is particularly important. The absence of a priority sign does not automatically mean that you are travelling on a priority road.
Is It Worth Taking Additional Driving Lessons Before the Exam?
Additional driving lessons are worth considering if several weeks have passed since completing the course and taking the exam, the candidate continues to make the same mistakes, or simply does not yet feel confident driving in heavier city traffic.
Refresher driving lessons allow you to practise, among other things:
- pulling away and exercises performed in the yard,
- intersections and changing lanes,
- observing the surroundings,
- parking,
- driving in the Katowice area,
- making independent decisions behind the wheel.
It is not about learning one specific exam route. The goal is to reach a level at which the learner can safely cope regardless of the route chosen by the examiner.
What to Do on Exam Day?
On the day of the exam, it is best to arrive at the WORD at least a dozen or so minutes early. This will allow you to calmly find the appropriate room or waiting area and prepare your identity document.
Immediately before the exam, it is no longer worth trying to review all the material. It is better to focus on a few basic principles:
- carefully observe the signs,
- do not perform manoeuvres in a hurry,
- use your mirrors regularly,
- make sure that carrying out the instruction is safe,
- if you do not understand something, ask the examiner to repeat the instruction.
Being nervous does not in itself mean that the exam will be failed. What matters is whether, despite the stress, the candidate drives safely and reacts correctly to what is happening on the road.
Driving Course for Chorzów Residents
Good preparation for the exam at WORD Katowice begins well before the scheduled date. During the course, you need to learn not only how to perform the tasks required in the exam, but above all how to drive safely and independently.
At OSK Olaf in Chorzów, course participants prepare for both the theory and practical exams while also learning to drive in varied road conditions. Those who have already completed the course but need additional preparation before their exam at the Provincial Road Traffic Centre (WORD) can take advantage of refresher driving lessons.
What is WORD and what does this abbreviation mean?
The abbreviation WORD stands for Voivodeship Road Traffic Centre. It is a public institution operating at the voivodeship level, whose best-known task is organizing state theory and practical driving licence examinations.
WORD is not a driving school. A driving school, or OSK, prepares trainees to drive a vehicle and provides classroom instruction and practical driving lessons. WORD’s task, on the other hand, is to check whether a candidate actually possesses the required skills and knows the traffic regulations. However, WORD does provide courses related to driving vehicles, although these are not typical driving licence courses.
Moreover, WORD does not handle the issuance of driving licences. This is handled by the relevant authority: the Starost or the Mayor of the City. In the case of a resident of Chorzów, this will be the Chorzów City Hall, since Chorzów is a city with county rights.
Is WORD a state institution?
WORD is a regional government legal entity. It is therefore neither a private company nor part of a ministry, but an independent public institution affiliated with the regional government.
WORDs are established by the regional council in agreement with the minister responsible for transport. The center is supervised by the regional government, which also appoints its director. WORD Katowice is therefore subordinate to the local government of the Silesian Voivodeship, not to the authorities of Katowice itself.
The exam itself is, however, a state examination. Its rules, requirements, and assessment criteria are based on nationwide regulations and are not determined independently by a specific center or individual examiner.
What does WORD do?
The primary task of the WORD is to organize state theoretical and practical examinations for individuals applying for a driving licence. The centre also conducts assessment examinations for drivers referred for a reassessment of their qualifications, as well as tests related to professional drivers’ qualifications.
However, WORD’s activities are much broader.
Training Courses Reducing the Number of Penalty Points
WORD offers paid training courses for drivers who have received penalty points for traffic violations. Completing the course may reduce the number of points by six, provided that certain requirements are met.
However, the WORD does not award penalty points or keep records of them. This is handled by the Police. The centre only organizes the training and provides information confirming its completion.
Remedial Courses
WORD may organize remedial courses for drivers referred to them, among other reasons, for driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances. During the classes, the consequences of accidents, the impact of alcohol and drugs on driving ability, and the driver’s responsibility are discussed.
Professional Driver Training
The centers also provide training and testing for professional drivers, including truck and bus drivers. This may involve obtaining professional qualifications, completing them, or renewing them periodically.
Training for Instructors and Examiners
WORD may organize courses for candidates for driving instructors, lecturers, and examiners. It also conducts professional development workshops for people who already work in these professions.
The center is therefore involved not only in testing trainees, but also in preparing the people who later teach and examine them.
Traffic Management Training
WORD conducts training for individuals who may direct road traffic as part of their work. This includes, among others, road construction workers, event security personnel, railway employees, and members of emergency services and rescue organizations.
Bicycle Card and Children’s Education
The centers also provide education for children and young people. They can organize classes to prepare participants for obtaining a bicycle card, train teachers conducting road safety education, and prepare materials on safe road use.
WORDs also organize competitions, workshops, and educational campaigns concerning the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter users.
Road Traffic Safety Measures
The tasks of the Regional Road Traffic Centres also include activities aimed at improving road safety. The centres organize social campaigns, first aid demonstrations, training sessions, simulator classes, and educational meetings.
WORD may cooperate in this area with schools, local authorities, the Police, the fire service, and social organisations. It may also provide public offices with information and statistics concerning examination pass rates and the activities of driving schools.
How Is WORD Funded?
WORD manages its own finances. Its revenue comes primarily from fees for examinations, courses, and training. The center may also receive grants from the voivodeship budget to carry out specific public tasks, particularly those related to road traffic safety.
In a highly simplified form, the entire process of obtaining a driving licence is therefore as follows: the driving school teaches you how to drive, WORD conducts the state examination, and the relevant authority issues the driving licence document.
However, WORD is concerned not only with learner drivers. It also provides training for people who already hold a driving licence, professional drivers, instructors, examiners, and other road users.
Regular Driving Schools vs. WORD
The official WORD, or Provincial Road Traffic Centre, is a public institution that conducts state driving licence examinations.
However, private driving schools also operate on the market and use the abbreviation “WORD” in their names or advertising materials. The mere use of these four letters does not necessarily automatically constitute a breach of the law, especially when the name and communications clearly indicate that it refers to a private driver training centre.
Formal concerns may arise only when the way the name is used suggests that the school is the official Provincial Road Traffic Centre, one of its branches, or an entity authorised to conduct state examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the abbreviation WORD stand for?
WORD stands for Wojewódzki Ośrodek Ruchu Drogowego, a local government public institution responsible, among other things, for organizing state driving licence examinations.
How Much Does a Category B Exam Cost at WORD Katowice?
In July 2026, the theory exam costs PLN 57, and the practical exam costs PLN 230. Before making the payment, it is worth checking the current fee schedule of the Regional Traffic Centre (WORD).
Where is WORD Katowice located?
The branch is located at 78 Francuska Street in Katowice.
Can you bring an mObywatel document to the exam?
Yes. WORD Katowice allows identity verification using a valid document in the mObywatel app.
How many points do you need to score on the theory exam?
At least 68 out of a maximum of 74 points must be obtained.
Does the exam always take place along the same route?
No. There is no single fixed test route. The course of the drive depends on the examiner’s instructions and the current road conditions.
Is It Worth Booking Additional Driving Lessons Before the Exam?
Yes, especially when a considerable amount of time has passed since the course, the candidate does not feel confident in urban traffic, or wants to practise once again the elements they find difficult.
Summary
WORD Katowice is responsible for checking whether a driving candidate can actually drive a car safely, both in theory and in practice. The exam should not consist of memorizing a specific route. The most important aspects are observing the road, knowing the regulations, performing manoeuvres correctly, and making decisions calmly.
Thorough preparation during the course and, if necessary, additional driving lessons help you become familiar with traffic in Katowice and approach the exam with greater confidence. A candidate who can drive independently and safely will cope regardless of which streets the examiner chooses.